A Financial Balancing Act

I send messages to my subconscious!

One such message is: My spending and savings plans are balanced.

My subconscious then goes to work to make this a reality. I find tools, self-discipline, and motivation to make my “dream” come true.



I’ve heard that two of the greatest strains on a marriage are… money and kids.

A key to alleviating money problems is a family budget. Generally, if you want to improve something, you have to find a way to measure it. A budget is a spending (and saving) plan.



Creating a budget makes you think and plan. (Maybe even prioritize!)

But that’s only part one: you have to gather data to see if your budget is working. There are tools out there to help. I use my bank’s online bill payment system to create an electronic (but safe) audit trail, along with Mvelopes personal budgeting software. Crown Financial Ministries’ web-site helped me on my first stab at a budget.

Mvelopes budget system has helped me get more out of my paycheck, and it provides guidance when I have to buy something: Do I have the money put aside? (Check the envelope!)



Now I’m prepared for car repairs, vacations, insurance, and surprises. I still overspend sometimes, but it’s usually on purpose. The budget is not king, I am! ;-)

I’ve been able to reduce some expenses, but mostly I’ve discovered what things cost: like vacations, pets, hair care, and groceries. (Eating out was a surprise too!)

But my affirmation is about balance: My spending and savings plans are balanced.



Savings is about providing a cushion against expenses, planned and unplanned. It’s also about building wealth. Home equity can be viewed as a savings. I’ve used my home equity several times to fund a remodel and a new roof. (Perhaps to pay some large medical bills too.)

Balancing the spending and savings provides peace of mind and a tool for building personal wealth. It’s a dance, and many of us need dance lessons!

What I’ve come to enjoy is finding a balance point that doesn’t leave me teetering on the brink of insolvency, but a balance point that allows me to sleep well, not argue with the spouse, bail out kids (it happens), buy major appliances, and even help pay for college. (With a good plan, even Christmas doesn’t have to bankrupt you!)

A balanced spending and savings plan even provides for being generous and giving. You can afford it.

So if you want to borrow something from me… I’ll give you two things: free advice and a useful affirmation/goal: My spending and savings plans are balanced.


I send messages to my subconscious!


(All other requests for assistance will NOT be considered.) ;-)