Having a thoughtful, realistic budget is crucial. Even the best intentions of, ‘Well, I can just try to spend less overall this month,’ usually ends up with a fleeting extra hundred dollars in your bank account, which will inevitably get spent in the senseless midst of a YOLO moment, 2 weeks down the road.

Adhering to a budget takes patience, time and self-control. Drawing one up for yourself can be the most difficult part, but once you finally take the time to do so, every decision you make will be easier. You’ll be one step closer to having control over the fickle emotions and circumstances that keep you spending. With a budget, things don’t have to be a surprise.

Like The Financial Diet on Facebook here.