Is there any point in me doing a budget?

[BigBirthdayGloom]

I am working at spending less but really don't have a clear idea of what we can and can't afford. I want to sort out a proper budget but dh doesn't want to. He thinks if we just curb our spending in all areas then that will work. Trouble is, that means we don't allow for occasional treats and then get stuck when it comes to expensive times like birthdays, Christmas and car mots etc.

Is there any point in me making a budget anyway? I want to know what we theoretically have left for things, even if its nothing!

Both you and your DH is right. If you aren't struggling to pay food and bills you can do without a budget. We follow what your DH is suggesting. Just curb spending. At the end of the month I put aside left over money for holiday, insurance, car services etc. Then I divvy up the remaining to our personal accounts. That's where all the spending money comes from. In other words the treats are paid by left over money from last month. You simply have to keep a close eye on your account balance. I found it less time consuming then doing a full budget.

By the way I do have an idea how much insurance etc cost for an entire year. Also we put aside money to save up for new car too.

I like the idea of left over money for next months spends. Gives an incentive.

I'm in your situation bigbirthdaygloom our compromise is I budget for joint bills and my own personal direct debits, dh gives me his share of the joint bills each week and what's left of his money is his to manage.

I'm not fussed once the joint bills are looked after.

I would love to have a bills account for all the joint bills and groceries etc and personal account for spends but dh doesn't agree.

It is important to do out a budget anyhow to highlight where ye could be wasting money or where it could be spent more wisely.

I personally wouldn't be without a budget. It keeps me totally on track on a week/week,month/month basis, I never get caught out with unexpected expenses and I've built up a contingency fund for real emergencies. For me though it enables me to track my debt repayments and forecast when I'll be entirely debt free-woohoo! Worth is for that alone in my eyes...though obviously everyone is diferent.

Big eye opener for me was keeping a spending diary for 2 months when I documented every single penny I spent, and on what-shocking would be an understatement!