**How do I stick with to my budget**

So, you understand what the budget is, things that are not budgeting, and you probably have made your own budget. Yet, you’re wondering how to keep on track.
‍
Well, there’s no magic recipe for doing that!

It requires time and constant effort, just like any new habit you build. However, we’re always here to help, here’s our recipe of 5 main ingredients!

**5 easy-to-follow steps so you can stick with your budget:**

Step #1: Pay yourself first

Well, this approach can be seen as a budgeting method, but it can also enhance your budgeting behavior. Paying yourself first means that as soon as you receive your paycheck or monthly income, the very first action you better take is to set aside the portion you have designated for saving _or any other financial commitment you have made. As if that’s a bill that need to paid as well.

Step #2: keep on track:

Write every purchase you made, or are about to make. Following a clear spending schedule, helps you avoid unnecessary purchases and keeps you aligned with your necessary goals. So you won’t be surprised by a sudden bankruptcy before the month ends!

*Learn more about Tracking your money with our step-by-step blog post tracking series.

Step #3: Get motivated:

Remember the goals you set in your budget notebook, spreadsheet, app, or whatever else?

Use these goals as an incentive that triggers you to keep following your budget plan, and see how closer you’re getting to them month by month, and even day by day; cause every day you keep on track is an achievement to be counting.

Tip: Consider time, effort, & cost when you plan to avoid frustration and procrastination.

Step #3: Learn how to say NO!

It’s always ok to say no to things that don’t match your schedule, you just need to train yourself on “How to say NO in a nice way!”.

Say NO to:

Emotional eating/shopping.
Impulsive spending.
Complimentary behavior.
And any other thing that goes against your goals.

Step #4: Follow up on the bigger picture

Now, you should have chosen a handy tool to create your budget in. This tool will help you look at your budget every now and then. Use this as a reminder to keep you alerted that you are adapting to a new habit.

You will find yourself constantly following up to check if you’re still on track or drifting aside! That’s a healthy sign BTW.

Last but not least..

#5: Treat yourself

When you trust the process and stick to your goals, you are a well-deserved treat. Create a reward system that is realistic, and doesn’t affect your plan.Remember, why you started all of this in the first place? Exactly, to live a better life!

Finally, don’t forget that budgeting is a process and skill you develop over time. Like any other habit, you want to build. So don’t expect to get it 100% right the first time.

Good luck in your budgeting journey.