I was the procrastinator queen of budgeting for years. I would make a commitment to monitor my monthly spending, increase my savings, and ultimately organize my finances.
But for some reason, last-minute purchases, unpaid payments, and the overriding sense of “I’ll do it later” constantly overshadowed my good intentions. Does that sound familiar?
I genuinely believed that I would never get it right until I came to the realization that ignoring the issue would only make it worse rather than go away.
I once got into legal issues, for example, since I didn’t pay back my obligation. When I received a legal letter from the debt collectors, I understood I was in serious trouble.
This is the story of how I turned things around, step by step. There were no magic tricks or complicated spreadsheets—just small changes that helped me take control of my money and my mindset.
If you’ve ever struggled with putting off your budgeting goals, this one’s for you. Let me tell you how I finally made budgeting work for me and how you can. Here are my confessions of a procrastinator…
How I Fixed My Budgeting Issues: Things That Worked for Me
Now, before I tell you what the things that I did to deal with my legal matter were, let me first explain something important. When we start earning in our twenties, the money might blind us for a while.
My sister and I often say that we do not deserve to handle adult money. And it is true, because with money comes the responsibility of managing your finances, dealing with taxes, and much more.
So, here are some of the things that I did that worked out in my favor when I had to stop procrastinating and start budgeting.
Acknowledging the Problem
My mother was right. The first step in dealing with anything is acknowledging that a problem exists.
Recognizing that I had a budgeting issue was the first step toward solving it. I spent a lot of time telling myself that it wasn’t a huge problem to ignore my finances.
I would persuade myself, “It’s not that bad,” or “I’ll start next month.” But I knew the truth in my heart. TBH, my habits were holding me back, which was wearing me out to worry about where my money was going.
Everything made more sense after I ultimately concluded that this needed to change. Although admitting the issue wasn’t simple, it gave me the motivation I needed to accept responsibility and begin acting better.
Using Simple Tools to Jumpstart the Process
I knew I didn’t want to use complex spreadsheets or glitzy apps when I finally made the decision to start budgeting seriously.
I wanted something basic, so I picked up a notepad and began recording my earnings, outlays, and spending patterns.
Although it wasn’t flawless, it helped me understand where my money went. Starting small helped me gain momentum, but later I discovered a free budgeting program that simplified tracking.
Instead of overburdening myself, the secret was to concentrate on instruments that I felt comfortable utilizing.
The procedure felt doable and reasonable because of these easy-to-use tools, which helped me avoid becoming overly stressed.
Setting Realistic Financial Goals That Motivated Me
Once I had a clear picture of my finances, I realized I needed goals to keep me focused. Instead of setting huge, unrealistic targets, I chose to start small.
My first goal was to save enough for a weekend getaway. It felt achievable and exciting, which kept me motivated.
When I hit that goal, I set another one – building an emergency fund so I wouldn’t need to rely on payday loan or a credit card.
I’m glad I decided to break my finances into smaller steps because it made everything less intimidating.
These realistic goals gave me something to work toward without feeling overwhelmed.
Seeing my progress, no matter how small, reminded me why I started and kept me on track for my bigger dreams.
Incorporating Routine Checks and Balances
I was aware that maintaining my budget required regularity. I therefore began setting up weekly check-ins with myself to examine my spending and make any necessary adjustments.
It took only fifteen minutes every Sunday to review my spending, make plans for the coming week, and compare it to my objectives.
These regular inspections made sure I remained accountable and helped me identify errors early, such as overpaying in some areas.
It became instinctive over time. My capacity to maintain financial control significantly improved after I incorporated these quick, regular reviews into my daily practice.
Learning from My Mistakes and Celebrating My Successes
Budgeting wasn’t smooth sailing from the start. In fact, I made so many mistakes that I needed a calculator to keep track.
Sometimes, I’d overspend or forget to track an expense, and at times, I’d get discouraged when I didn’t hit a goal.
However, I learned to treat those moments as lessons instead of giving up. Each slip-up taught me something new about my habits and how to improve.
At the same time, I made it a point to celebrate my wins, no matter how small they were.
Whether sticking to my budget for a month or saving a little extra, acknowledging my progress motivated me. Mistakes didn’t define me, but my persistence did.
Things You Should Know About Debt Collection Practices
As I have already told you at the beginning of the blog, I got into legal trouble with debt collectors. Now, I had borrowed some money to start my small business.
Even though I did have it in mind that I would pay back the money as soon as possible, my poor financing and budgeting habits got the best of me.
Thankfully, I had an uncle who came from a legal background. With his guidance, I was able to get out of trouble temporarily. Additionally, I sorted my budget and finances, saved the money, and paid it back to the lender.
That temporary relief my uncle helped me get? It was thanks to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)—a U.S. law that protects consumers from abusive debt collection tactics.
Before he stepped in, I had no idea that debt collectors couldn’t just call me at all hours, threaten legal action they couldn’t take, or harass me into paying. Turns out, many of their scare tactics were illegal.
Procrastinating on budgeting had led me straight into their crosshairs. I had ignored my debt, thinking I’d figure it out “soon,” but that “soon” never came. When I finally started receiving collection notices, I panicked.
Some collectors were professional, but others used intimidation—constant calls, misleading claims, even talking to my family about my debt.
That’s when my uncle told me about my rights: Collectors must send written validation of the debt, they can’t threaten or mislead, and they must stop contacting you if you request it in writing.
Had I taken budgeting seriously earlier, I wouldn’t have ended up here. Learning about consumer protection laws was eye-opening, but taking control of my finances was even more empowering. Now, I plan my budget—and debts—before they spiral out of control.
To Sum Up
Becoming better at budgeting didn’t happen overnight; it certainly wasn’t perfect. However, after trial and error, I finally found a system that worked for me. The key was starting small and staying consistent.
If you’ve been procrastinating like I did, remember it’s never too late to take control of your finances. Every small step will bring you closer to your goals. So, start today, celebrate your progress, and trust that you have the power to get it right. Your future self will thank you!
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