"Myth: I don't have time to work on a budget.
Truth: You don't have time not to make a budget!"
Financial guru and debt-counselor Dave Ramsey has been helping married couples resolve their financial difficulties for years, and helping their marriages in the process. In this short article, he presents the foregoing truth and makes a very concise, very apt argument for budgeting. Most importantly, Ramsey reminds us that the word "budget" means "plan." The idea, according to him, is to get in the habit of "...spending on paper, on purpose, before the month begins."
Marriage Matters advocates intentional, purposeful living. No one would question the importance of keeping one's eyes and attention on the road when behind the wheel of an automobile. You wouldn't turn left when you need to go right, would you? Why then does this same logic not apply to marriage, finances, and other things? If it does apply, at least in terms of our household finances, then budgeting (or planning) seems to be the best way to spend and save money, with a purpose.
Ramsey says that, "When you see that a budget is just spending your money with intention, you'll actually experience more freedom than before." If you agree, then Ramsey provides some pointers and a link to some tools for getting started on your own family budget.
Just a couple big ones that apply here: (1) "husbands (if applicable) need to loosen up and quit using the budget as a whipping tool on their wives"; and (2) "if married, spouses need to do the budget together."
What do you think?
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