You probably never imagined that the terms "fun" and "budgeting" would be used in the same phrase. Since I never did either, to be honest, this is definitely a stretch. But bear with me—I believe I have a way to make budgeting enjoyable.
At least now I know how to make budgeting more interesting! Those that are creative typically have a great sense of colour and design. It can be challenging to locate those qualities in spreadsheets and standard budgets.
Hopefully, nevertheless, these five suggestions will help creatives find budgeting enjoyable and productive.
Table of Contents
1. Create a vision board
I'm attempting to budget, but why? Why is this laborious process taking so long?
Creating a budget is meant to assist you in realising your aspirations. A vision board can serve as both a motivator and a visual reminder of your goals for your finances.
For instance, I have a beach photo on my vision board since that's where I want to go a vacation after we pay off our school loans. A vision board could be just the right tool for you if you're a creative person. Making a vision board is also an enjoyable undertaking.
2. Use A Visual To Monitor Your Development
For those who are creative, visual aids like budgeting (and especially tracking versus your budget) may be immensely enjoyable.
Making them is enjoyable, plus they aid in maintaining focus on your financial objectives. They will be a constant in your life and difficult to ignore or forget. Right now, paying off our student loan debt is our main priority. It's been a hard road, but we've been paying off this debt since 2012.
I made a Debt Payoff thermometer to show you how far we've come. It resembles the one above in appearance. It serves as a reminder of both our progress and our remaining distance. A thermometer template could be used for debt repayment or savings objectives. There are countless options.
3. Create An Stunning Spreadsheet
Utilising a spreadsheet is sometimes necessary. When used properly, Excel can be a very powerful tool. I enjoy using Excel to make "mini" budgets, such as one for our Christmas shopping and another for keeping track of the revenue and out-of-pocket spending from my blog. Excel allows me to track spending and provide more details that budgeting tools might not allow. This is why I appreciate using it. For instance, I record the date I mailed or delivered the package and if I have a copy of the receipt in my Christmas budget.
Since I'm a creative person, using my spreadsheets requires that they look well. I keep interested when I have a "pretty" spreadsheet. Excel makes it simple to create a visually pleasing and professional spreadsheet. Try using different typefaces, colour coding, and adding a backdrop image to your spreadsheet to make it look nicer. Your creativity is the only thing holding you back.
4. Explore Using A Programme For Budgeting
Perhaps spreadsheets aren't working well for you. You have alternative options, so don't panic. Consider utilising a budgeting tool. Mint.com is free to use. You Need A Budget (YNAB) and Quicken are two further programmes. These apps have the ability to integrate with your bank accounts, which makes keeping track of your spending and creating a budget very effective.
With these programmes, you may not only construct a budget but they will also produce images for you similar to the one above. Nothing is more fascinating than having a visual representation of your debt, savings, and spending. It's a really effective tool for better understanding your financial situation. I rely on Quicken to assist me in managing our budget because of this. Without it, I don't know where I would be!
5. Treat Yourself
This month, were you able to stick to your budget? True? Well done! It's crucial to give yourself a reward for your budgeting efforts. Making a budget is not enjoyable or easy. Give yourself a pat on the back for all of your hard work. Recall that the objective is to incorporate budgeting into your daily routine and life. A budget enables you to accomplish your goals and make difficult decisions at the same time. Avoid exhausting yourself. Making a budget is a procedure. The first time you attempt to create a budget, it won't be flawless.
6. Gamify Your Budgeting Process
One entertaining method to make budgeting less tiresome is to transform it into a game. You may, for example, set financial objectives and treat yourself when you meet them. Another option is to establish a friendly competition with an accountability partner to help you stay inside your budget. This method encourages you to follow your financial plan in addition to making budgeting more entertaining. But never forget that maintaining a healthy level of competitiveness is ultimately about financial prudence.
7. Adopt Modern Technology
Budgeting may be made easy and enjoyable with the aid of a variety of financial applications. Creatives may easily manage their spending patterns and stick to a budget with the help of apps like Mint, PocketGuard, and YNAB, which offer real-time tracking and visual representations of transactions. Some even have aspects that are gamified. But relying only on apps could result in a careless approach to money management; you still need to keep a human touch in your spending log.
8. Adopt a Budgeting Method that Works for Your Creative Way of Living
Every budgeting system is not made equally. Some people might not be suited to the inconsistent pay that comes with creative jobs. The envelope method, the 50/30/20 rule, and zero-based budgeting are a few common budgeting techniques. Every system has advantages and disadvantages. Zero-based budgeting, for example, provides thorough financial control but may be excessively strict for certain people. Conversely, the envelope system has some flexibility but demands rigorous adherence to rules. Select a system based on what works best for your interests, lifestyle, and cash flow.
9. Have an optimistic outlook
You can make budgeting more enjoyable by adopting a different perspective. Budgeting is a tool that may help you make informed financial decisions and spend sensibly, not something to be afraid of. Consider it a road map for reaching your artistic and financial objectives.
10. Connect Your Creative Objectives with Your Budget
Having a creative professional vision or objective can add significance and enjoyment to the process of budgeting. Having a financial plan aids in the realisation of your dreams, whether they involve starting a digital platform, holding an art exhibition, or opening a studio. It gives the budgeting process a purpose, which makes it more interesting and less routine.
Budgeting is necessary for both accomplishing creative goals and financial stability, despite the fact that it can be intimidating, particularly for creatives. Effective strategies to make budgeting enjoyable include gamifying the process, utilising technology, utilising an appropriate budgeting system, having a positive outlook, and connecting your budget to your innovative goals. To fit your particular demands and circumstances, it's imperative to strike a balance between these tactics. Recall that a fun budgeting approach results in reliable financial planning, which lays a solid basis for your artistic pursuits.
Remain consistent and take pride in your dedication!
