9 Reasons You Can’t Stick to Your Budget

Just can’t seem to stick to your budget? We look at the reasons your budget likely isn’t working and what you can do to fix it.

All the financial experts seem to agree that one of the easiest ways to cut spending is to forgo your daily lattes. Yet, what if this one piece of advice held back many people who would like to begin a budget, but remain reluctant to give up life’s little luxuries?

Budget. The very word often produces a shudder. There are many reasons why budgets fail. Here are just a few possible reasons your budget isn’t working and some ways to overcome them.

1. The Ostrich Syndrome

If your budget is too vague, you are just burying your head in the sand. Instead, use realistic figures by keeping a spending journal.

2. The Gung-Ho Backfire

You set up a strict budget and then wonder why you can’t stick to it. By trying to cut spending too drastically, you create an unsustainable budget that is sure to buckle under pressure.

Related: Can Financial Cheat Days Help You Stick to a Strict Money Diet?

3. Greener Grass

If you have trouble resisting temptation, cut it out by changing your habits.

Quit going to the mall to window shop. Stop reading the enticing ads of all the sales you are missing. Avoid online shopping sites if they are your weakness.

Related: 10 Ways To Prevent Impulse Buying

4. Deprivation Dilemma

You decide to cut out all entertainment. After a month or two goes by, the everyday drudgery of pinching every penny suddenly becomes unbearable. You go on a crazy spending spree, erasing all your hard work in just a few hours.

Instead, work some fun into the budget. Look for cheaper alternatives, such as movie matinees, a free concert, a lecture by a renowned speaker, or just a simple picnic by the river.

Related: Are Your Friends’ Spending Habits Killing Your Budget?

5. What Does It Matter, Anyway?

Before committing to a budget, you should examine your motives.

Do you want to get out of debt? Instead of focusing on the negative and feeling overwhelmed, envision what your life will be like when the debt is paid off. You’ll be able to afford that dream vacation or put money down on a house.

Concentrate on the reward to make the budget easier to achieve.

6. Living on the Float

So what if I have to put all my groceries on my credit cards? I can still pay the minimums.

If you are spending more than you earn, you are living beyond your means. It may work for a while, but anything could happen to sink your ship. The credit card company might raise the interest rate, increase the minimums, or you could lose your income. Your “cushion” is suddenly gone.

Related: How To Stick to a Budget and Still Use Credit Cards

7. The Hassle Holdback

Sure, it might be a lot of work to set up a budget. You have to track your spending, figure out your income to expenses ratio, create a workable spending plan to meet your goals, and keep it up. Some people think it’s too much hassle.

How much hassle would it be if you lost your house? Or you couldn’t cash in on that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity because you weren’t sure of your finances?

8. No Freedom

A budget restricts me from spending what I want. Instead, I’ll just spend until the money is gone, and then get a payday loan to tide me over.

Spending without a budget may seem like freedom, but if your finances are out of whack, sooner or later your habits will have to halt. Creating a budget that works for you will allow you to know exactly how much you can spend and still meet your financial goals.

Related: Are You Sabotaging Your Own Financial Goals?

9. Why Make a Budget, Anyway?

Nothing will ever change; I’ll always be in debt.

A budget won’t work if you don’t have goals. By working towards a goal, you give yourself hope that your future will be brighter. Something that seems impossible can be accomplished with a budget.

Related: Successfully Setting and Achieving Financial Goals

So, is it possible to create a budget, without cutting out your cherished coffee? Of course! It is all about making a spending plan that works for you. By fitting treats into the budget, you will get your little luxury and get control of your finances, too.

Now you have no more excuses; let’s set up your new budget. I’ll buy you a latte.

• 3 Reasons Budgets Fail and the Key to Budgeting Success
• A Beginner’s Guide to Budgeting Success
• 10 Ways To Prevent Non-Essential Spending
• The Envelope Budgeting System in a Cashless Society

Reviewed July 2023

About the Author

Shaunna Privratsky became an expert in personal finance out of necessity. Between writing, reading and gardening, she is always on the lookout for bargains. Visit her at The Discount Diva.