Training Wheels, Custom Bikes & Custom Budgets

Custom bikes are cool!  Budgets are like custom motorcycles.  No two should ever be the same.  One of the most frequently asked questions that I answer involves budget forms and budgeting software.  “What software should I go out and buy?”  My answer is usually surprising.  None.  I don’t believe in budgeting software and I certainly don’t believe in using anybody else’s forms as a long term goal.

Budget forms are like training wheels.  They’re helpful when you’re just getting started.  They help you keep things balance while you’re building your skills.  I start every client off with a generic budget form.  They don’t graduate from my program until they have the skills to write their own form.  The generic forms help you think of things you’d otherwise miss.  However, when you really get going on a budget, 200 empty line items that don’t apply to your life and your money are really distracting.  I help clients set a goal to develop their own forms that are customized to their life and their money.

The guy with a custom bike takes pride in his creation.  He cares for it, uses it and enjoys it.  It is the product of his own labor.  The same is true in budgeting.  If we’re really going to have a life changing experience, you need to own your very own budget.  It has to be yours.  It has to be simple enough that you and your spouse can use it.  If you’d like some help developing your own customized plan, please contact me here.

Training wheels have their place in life.  We all need them when we learn new things.   However, training wheels inhibit our ability to lean into life’s curves and enjoy the ride.  Can you picture a set of training wheels on this custom chopper?  Not cool to say to the least.  What are your thoughts?