Making a Budget; Or That Planning Thing with Money I Haven't Learned Yet

Actually that title isn't exactly true.  I can make a budget.  I can make the most detailed, well-thought out, fiscally responsible budget you've ever seen.  I mean seriously, I could make Alan Greenspan pea-green with envy over how perfectly balanced and lovely my budgets are.  Making a budget is not difficult.

Following a budget is a whole other matter entirely.  Because apparently it isn't enough just to write down your good intentions for your money, you have to actually follow through with what you've written down.

This is the usual scenario.  See if you can relate.

I make a budget.  Usually a budget that spans a few months.  I plan out my very limited dimes and nickles to the last cent with very well-intentioned plans to be steadfast and to reliably pay those bills exactly as I've arranged.  And I do.  For the first month.  And usually the second month.  On occassion I even manage to go three months in a row following my beautiful budget.  But by the fourth month it's always a wash.

Here's the problem.  When you're on a very limited income and your mandatory expenses (rent, bills, food, etc) require nearly all your monthly intake, it leaves a very small amount for miscellaneous/recreational expenses.  (By the way, this is also true if you are making a great deal of money, but are still living beyond your means - you know, paying more rent/mortgage than you can afford, have a high car payment, etc.) 

While I can usually manage to go a few months denying myself and my daughter fun little extras like a movie, or a dinner out, sooner or later, I get tired of just existing.  That's when the trouble starts.

I get frustrated and start to feel like, "Why the hell can't we have some fun?  If I want to take Beth out for lunch, why can't I?  If I want to buy her an ice cream cone on a nice summer evening, I should be able to."  But my frustration is not appeased with a burger and an ice cream cone.  I get a little rebellious (against who, I'm not sure) and say, "Screw it.  I'm spending money and you can't stop me!"  Again, I'm not entirely sure who I'm telling to "screw it" since the only one who ends up screwed is me. 

Because before I know it, I've blown through the $200.00 that was supposed to buy us food for the month and am left with barely a can of corn to call my own.  So, because, obviously my daughter and I need to eat, Hydro doesn't get paid.  Or phone.  Or rent.  (Never a good idea!)  And next month, I'm in the same broke place, but with bills that have grown and are now overdue.

So far, my only answer to this dilema is to start making more money but try to keep my mandatory expenses the same.  That's my goal and it looks like I'm going to be there in the next year or so.  I certainly hope so.  Cause I sure like the peace of mind and comfort that comes from knowing that all your bills are paid and your cupboards are full. 

Either that or I'll just win the lottery.  What?  It's a sound plan.