Question of the Day - Saturday, July 23rd

Good morning

Do you have a monthly budget? Or are you more of an impulsive shopper?

I don't really set up much of a budget, but $500 a month goes into a savings account for the cats. For the most part, I like to spend.

I'm an impulsive shopper......eeeek!

Oh yeah we have a budget. And two new cars and we just bought a house so it works!

We have a budget, and for the most part I stick to it. However, if I see a pocketbook or pair of shoes that I simply can't live without....

I choose life.

Yes, we are. And it works. It's difficult sometimes, but it works.

We have a set amount set aside for everything, including clothing, meals in restaurants, "impulse" buys, etc. And I have to do what I can do make sure that I stay within that budget. Most of the time, I can, but sometimes when there are good buys at the grocery store, my grocery budget gets a little out of whack for a week or so. And then I have to get back on track.

Right now, our cat budget is weird because of Tabby being here. We're spending a ton on vet bills for her ear mites problem and buying cans of kitten food and we weren't planning on that when we did our budget last December. Then she'll have to get her kitten shots and then in about four months or so, she'll go in for her spay. So the cat budget is a little out of control, but I'm careful to make it up in other ways.

DH and I made an agreement several years ago that if something we want costs more than $50, we talk about it before we make any decisions. That way, if there's something on eBay (like something for my kitchen) that I'd really like to have, we'll discuss it before I do anything. Likewise when he's away on union business, if he sees something he'd like to have, he'll call me. We have to agree on it before the purchase is made. It's a rule in our house. Most of the time we will agree, but there have been times when it's simply not an option to buy something at that time.

It works for us...I don't know how, but it works.

We don't have a budget but I make a list of all the bills I need to pay on a particular paycheck. Then we buy groceries and gas with what is left. We live paycheck to paycheck since I never know what my pay is going to be. I hate being paid "per call"

I budget for my monthly bills and the rest I spend as I like. No man here to tell me what I can or cannot buy, if I want something I just purchase it if I can afford it. It's sometimes tough since I'm on a fixed income but I deal.

I´m a compulsive BUDGET person...

We budget for the bills but otherwise I'm a very impulsive shopper.

I don't have a budget, exactly (X amount for food, Y amount for cat supplies, etc.), but I'm careful not to buy on impulse. I make a detailed list before I go shopping (it helps that shopping is 30 minutes away!) and stick to it. If I see a good deal on cat food or litter I'll stock up. If I need clothes or shoes I'll buy them. I'm not impulsive in general so it's not hard for me.

Nope, no monthly budget. We have back up money, though we try not to spend like crazy either.