Changing from monthly paycheck to bi-weekly?

[SaintsManiac]

The only strict budget I really have is on grocery spending. We were getting carried away and wound up wasting too much. Now I make sure we stay under a certain amount each week.

I'm very frugal. I put a decent amount of money into savings every week. My husband and I get paid bi-weekly, but the way the dates fall someone gets a check every week. This allows me to bank a good stash into savings without feeling it.

I'll be the first to admit I'm a cheapskate. Don't have to be. It's just who I am. I like budgets. Doesn't mean I am in dire straits. I think most people could benefit from having one.

 

[trenty]

budg·et
[ˈbəjət]
NOUN

1. an estimate of income and expenditure for a set period of time.

VERB
statement or plan coordinating resources and expenditures : to put or allow for in a budget

 

[tvguy]

budg·et
[ˈbəjət]
NOUN

1. an estimate of income and expenditure for a set period of time.

VERB
statement or plan coordinating resources and expenditures : to put or allow for in a budget

Exactly my point. "Estimate" being the key word for me. Some of those folks here seem to have a much much much more ridge structure.

 

[Ellie008]

I have a rough budget of monthly expenses that I update about once a year, but I basically just compare that to my annual income and then start allocating the rest of it to planned vacations, etc. I have to float significant work expenses on a semiregular basis. Meaning, I pay it and then I get reimbursed eventually, but depending on when the expenses are vs when the bill is due I may have to pay it before I get the reimbursement. So we have a healthy balance in our checking account at all times to cover this. I don't worry about what payments come out of which paycheck because my balance is high enough to float it regardless.

I often think I should pay closer attention to where our money goes, but I always end up thinking it is more work than it is worth. Maybe one of these days...

 

[tvguy]

I also think, where you are in your life is a factor on whether you think about a budget.
Today is pay day, and my outstanding bills totaled $452. Without getting into what my wife and I make, (not a lot), just one of our paychecks was more than enough to cover my bills.

Paid
Electric
Water
Landline
Cellphones
Mail order prescriptions