Honestly, sticking to a budget is sometimes like trying to keep your toddler clean on spaghetti nights. you trybut life is very chaotic.
So many people think that the budget is set and left alone. In fact, the budget is more like a sourdough starter. You have to check in, stir a little, feed regularly or scatter quickly.
I highly recommend having a simple 5-minute budget check-in once a week instead of waiting for where to go at the end of the month. That’s it. Five minutes. It may have completely changed the way you deal with money…it’s too simple!
If you have ever felt backward, unorganized, or overwhelmed and unable to view your bank account, this is for you.
Five-minute budget check-in:
Here are six questions I recommend asking at the end of each week to keep your budget on track and sane (if you are married, I recommend you review these with your spouse):
1. What’s the use of this week?
Let’s start with good things. Are you sticking to your grocery budget? In fact jump over Direct train? Pack lunch three times instead of eating out at work?
Even if your primary goal is to pay off your debt or save $1,000 Count. For me, it could be that we had leftovers or that I cooked with something in the pantry. Or, I came up with a way to use something I already have on hand instead of buying a new product. Or, I found that there are so many things I already need to buy!
Do the right thing: pay attention, name and acknowledge victory.
By the way, if you need help defining your budget goals, my free budget goal planning worksheet is designed to make the process very simple!
2. What doesn’t work?
This part is not to humiliate yourself. Yes study.
Did you blow out your takeaway budget on Wednesday because you forgot to prepare for meals? Did you “accidentally” enter Target and accidentally spend $67 to buy something you don’t need?
Maybe you reflect on this and realize that you are spending extra money on snacks Each Friday. As you think, maybe you realize that you always run errands with your kids after school Friday and everyone is hungry.
This awareness is the key! Now you can plan a fun snack stop in advance and budget for this or bring snacks from your home. Prosperity. The problem has been solved!
3. What do I want to change?
This is where the magic happens. Maybe your edible budget needs more swing space. Maybe you didn’t track things well this week because life feels crazy.
Ask yourself: How can I change next week feel prepared or controlled? Sometimes the answer is simple, just like setting up a phone receipt. Sometimes it goes deeper, like realizing that your budget doesn’t match your real life and needs a complete refresh. Or you are trying to buy happiness and need to fast and spend money instead of trying to solve the emotions you want to cover up by spending money.
Either way, there are always something you can adjust.
psst! If you need a way to track all your spending, be sure to check out my free budget tracker! It can easily track everything – fixed and variable fees!
4. What surprised me?
Is something more expensive than expected? Have you forgotten your refund? Is the electricity bill reduced due to the cool weather?
Just the past week, I received a notice that we charged $28 per month. I don’t know the company. It turns out that one of our teens has signed up for some (with our permission) to think it is a one-time fee, and it turns out to be an ongoing subscription. We let the teens in and canceled the issue. I’m glad I caught it because the sum of $28 per month will add up soon!
Surprise is a small gift for insight…even a frustrating gift.
5. Am I budgeting beyond my budget anywhere?
If you are out of your budget, ask yourself: Is this a one-time thing or does it happen often?
If this is a pattern (e.g. $50 per week grocery), it might be time:
- Adjust budget
- Adjust your spending habits
- Or both!
Either way, don’t beat yourself. This is just useful information. Think of your budget as a GP: If you make the wrong turn, you can recalculate it. It won’t call you irresponsible.
6. What are the “ahha” moments?
Sometimes, during this check-in period, you may find important things about your money mindset. Like I did that week, I lost some big things in my life and realized that I wanted to buy something to fill the holes and take some sadness away. It’s a great reminder to stop and give myself space to honor my sorrow and the depth of the loss I feel.
Or maybe you are paying attention to your level of calm and realizing that it is because you’re always planning ahead and saving for your upcoming bills.
Those little light bulbs are strong all the time. They help you understand yourself and develop better habits to really stick to.
Weekly Check = Real Budget Confidence
This simple approach may help you from “I don’t know what I’m doing” to “I have this plan.
So this weekend, grab your planner, sticky notes, or even just the Notes app on your phone. Set up a 5-minute reminder and ask yourself these six questions. You don’t need fancy apps or perfect plans. You just have to be willing to check, learn from what happened, make some small adjustments, and try again next week.
Because every little step is important.
You may also like:
- Ask Crystal: Which budget app is the best?
- 7 simple rhythms that bring peace to our family
- How to teach your child about money management: Age guide
- How should I budget when I’m so far?
- Ask Crystal: How to get my spouse to join the boat on a budget?
- Is it possible to eat healthy on your budget?
If you try this 5 minute budget check-in I would love to hear what you found in the comments below!
Want to do this the year you finally stick to your budget?
Tracking your budget doesn’t have to be overwhelming or complicated! Use these Free budget spreadsheet Easy to plan and track your spending every month!
