7 Tips to Help You Stick to Your Budget

You've probably attempted to sticking to a budget without much success in the past, but you want to get back in on the smart finances bandwagon, so you've created an all new budget. High-five for that! Creating a budget is a crucial first step to getting back in control of your finances, and your life. Just creating a budget is not an easy task for many, and it can be mental and emotional torture for some.

Next, try these 5 tips to help you stick to your budget. I promise these aren't your typical total deprivation tips!

Consider the consequences of a busted budget. You know what it feels like when you spend beyond your budget. You come up short when it's time to pay the bills. You dip into your savings to play catch-up, and then feelings of defeat start to set-in because all things financial are thrown off. It's one of those feelings that you don't forget. Keep that in mind when you're tempted to spend on something you didn't budget for. It could save you from future frustration, and help you stay confident in knowing that you are the key to your financial success.

Work in rewards. You work hard for your money, and you work hard to make sure your money works hard for you! But, you know what they say about all work and no play. Depriving yourself of some reward contributes to failed budgeting, so make YOU a priority too, not just the bills. Work into your budget play money--money for you to treat yourself to whatever you like no matter how small; something that makes all your hard work and effort worth it to you.

Tempt yourself not! For me, a simple stroll down the office supply aisle is all it takes to wreck my budget. I'm all about the next swanky office "necessity!" That means one of my biggest obsessions are often housed in the very stores I have to go into for real necessities like food. But if all you have to do is drive past your favorite stores on the way home from work (and I do know that can be hard too) or take a different route all together, then you have a greater chance of success at avoiding temptation than moi!

Keep your budget all the way real. $10 for personal items? Come on girlfriend, don't set yourself up like that! If you can't get that posh pink polish by Essie in "Hi Maintenance" off your mind, add that to your list of personal things needed. When you factor in power looks that are essential for helping you succeed in your career, that polish falls under "needs" in my book! And if a need happens to also fall under things you absolutely adore, that's not your fault.

Create a calendar-of-events. If entertainment is the reason you #fail in your budget, then start creating a calendar-of-events you'd like to attend, or use the ones found in many of your favorite magazines. Knowing who, what, where, and most importantly, when, will help you budget wisely for fun.