For the most part, we set a budget toward the end of the previous month and try not to deviate. But sometimes you just need to be flexible. Now is a really good time to build some flexibility in your budget if at all possible. When planning your expenses don’t forget to allow wiggle room and budget for spontaneous moments.
ISN’T THIS COUNTERINTUITIVE?
No, I don’t think so. And I’ll attempt to explain why in this post.While it’s true that you need to stick to a budget that doesn’t mean that you can’t adjust your budget or adapt it as the month goes on.
No one can predict the future. And I don’t really think most of us would want to. Yes, we’re saving for retirement and increasing our emergency fund, but we also get to live a little, right?
Life is made for living, and “rice and beans” day in and day out isn’t for everyone! So why not enjoy life a little more on the journey to debt freedom or financial independence?
Sure, it might take a bit longer, but I think most people are more likely to arrive at their destination if they don’t feel like they’ve been punishing themselves the entire trip.
WHY I THINK YOU SHOULD BUDGET SPONTANEOUS MOMENTS
Call it the miscellaneous category, the fun category, little moments – whatever you want. I just think there should be some amount of money set aside to allow some wiggle room in the budget.
If Murphy comes knocking then I guess you won’t have fun that month, but if he doesn’t, go see that movie at the drive-in, buy those fishing licenses and take the kids on an adventure.
Whatever it is you get in your head to do spur of the moment and make memories with the family (within reason of course) shouldn’t break your budget. Or make you feel guilty.
I typically use the Zero Based Budget. If you don’t know what I’m talking about go back and read Three Popular Budget Methods Explained; you have to understand how to budget and what budget method you’re using for this to make sense.
Lately, I either add extra money in a category I don’t think we’ll use or keep a category called Child Activities. It doesn’t always have money allocated, but it’s there for some spontaneous fun with the kids.
Especially since the lockdown/quarantine/self-isolation period we’ve been in since March (some of you earlier), it helps to break free from the usual day to day.
So when my husband recently took a couple of days off from his Monday through Friday job and suggested fishing I was all for it. And so was our budget!
BUDGET FOR SPONTANEOUS MOMENTS AND LIVE YOUR LIFE
It is easy to feel like life is on hold right now. That dream vacation? Probably on hold. Carefree visits in the coffee shop? Probably on hold.
Birthday parties with friends? Yeah, we’ve missed out on those this year as well. It’s not been an easy adjustment.
The kids were so excited when we told them about the fishing trip. Just being out in nature doing something different for a day (even in the 90+ heat) was so nice!
After renewing our fishing licenses online for about $40, we drove out to Beaver Dam for the day. While we didn’t leave quite as early as planned, we still managed to get there before the fog had lifted.
The views that morning were just stunning! I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves.
They enjoyed walking around and splashing in the water. Not much fishing happened with them, but they still had a blast. We stopped at a rest and activity area for a picnic lunch and some more fishing in the lake.
The water was WAY up when we were there, so the only fish caught was at the lake after lunch. It was quite a tasty bass though! On the way out we stopped at the overlook for a few pictures.
We stopped at an ATM on the way out of town and withdrew $60. After stopping for a quick breakfast, as well as ice cream on the way back out (it’s a tradition).
We had such a good time on our day trip that we’re going fishing and staying two nights in a small cabin by the river next month. We divided out the cost and have set aside money each month to cover the expense.
We’ll make some memories, take some time to relax, and give the kids a chance to explore the great outdoors. I plan to budget for spontaneous moments to enjoy with the kids for years to come.
And while maybe you can’t enjoy what you’d hoped to do with your kids this summer or fall, you can definitely take advantage of those little opportunities that come up to make great memories with them!
Reserving a little money in the budget for those spontaneous moments will help ensure you can say, “yes,” when the kids excitedly ask to stop at the shaved ice stand, head to the drive-in, or even just stop for takeout.
It doesn’t have to be a huge expense to turn into a big memory! We’re exploring new opportunities for adventure with the kids such as fishing trips and picnics in the yard to create memories with them.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE SPONTANEOUS MEMORY MAKING MOMENTS?
What are some spur of the moment adventures you’ve had with your family that made for great memories? Do you have budget for random little activities or treats for your kids?
I’m guessing if you do you find it is well worth the small expense! Let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear about any recent, unplanned moments you’ve had with your families!
Sounds like you had a wonderful day! With beautiful photos to reminisce. You really don’t have to spend a lot to make some great memories. So glad you’re heading back for a longer stay– definitely hit the local winery again 🙂
Oh yes, for sure!
We’re not the best at budgeting, but we try to do little fun things each month. Right now, we’re trying a “grow your own butterflies” kit with the kids, and they think it is the coolest thing!
Growing your own butterflies? That sounds so cool! We might have to look into that!
Sticking to a rigid budget if things come up, as life can be complex like that, wouldn’t be a good idea. I rarely do anything spontaneously anymore, unless it’s getting a takeaway, which I seem to be doing a lot at the moment
You and me both! I have to take a break as I’ve put on a few pounds from takeaway and leaving the gym! I didn’t have much opportunity to go prior to the pandemic, but definitely don’t want to go right now!
I completely agree with this. It’s like a diet, we can’t always just live to be sustained and get bored. There has to be done flexibility.
Exactly! Thanks for reading Rachel!
We’ve been frantically saving since lockdown but were allowed our first taste of freedom last week once our localised lockdown was lifted. This has meant our budget this month has gone out the window as we’ve booked some things to do over the next few weeks, including visiting my sister who I’ve not seen in person since Christmas. It’s definitely important to be flexible in times such as these, especially as we’ve practically ‘over-saved’ as we’ve had nowhere to go / nothing to spend our money on for past few months!
I would definitely want to be flexible if I’d been in lockdown that long!