Budget fail

I have become increasingly aware of how difficult it is for most people to budget their money.  After having listened to many different people and reading a lot of blogs/Facebook posts, it is clear that there are a few reasons why people fail at budgeting.

1. Setting unrealistic goals.  When doing your own personal budget, you do not have someone breathing down your neck asking why you want something in your budget and forcing you to justify your reasons.  Because of this, it is very easy to be unrealistic when adding things to your budget.  If you make $20,000 a year, it would be unrealistic to save $10,000 in one year for a down payment on a house without affecting your current monthly bills.  Think clearly, know your limits and plan accordingly.     
2. Lack of self control.   If you don't have the ability to control splurge spending,  you will never have the ability to budget properly.  However, all hope is not lost.  Most people can learn to rein themselves in so that they can accomplish their goals and get what they want.  If you aren't one of those people, you can always try to find a local financial manager to take over your accounts, budgeting and bill paying.  If you choose to do this, do your research very carefully and make sure you have someone look over any and all contracts that you may be required to sign.
3. Your partner or spouse isn't into it.  If there is a person that you share an account with that isn't on board with your budgeting ideas or goals, it can be cause for an epic fail.  In this situation, you have to resolve yourself to one of three things.  Try to persuade them with logic and research, open a separate account and budget part of your money separately to accomplish your goal or you can toss your idea out the window.  Budgeting with a partner who isn't willing is one of the hardest things to do.

I want you to be successful at managing your budget and getting to where you want to be in life.  Money management is not the easiest thing to do but it can be done.  Once you learn the basics, you'll find that it is easier than you think.  If you slip and fall, just pick yourself up and keep going. :D