Well, I’m back from vacation.

Trips always do interesting things with my budget. I seem to be completely incapable of anticipating how much they’ll end up costing in the end.

Sometimes I over-budget and then feel great about spending less than I thought; often I spend more than I’d hoped.

Never am I right on.

Fortunately, budgeting isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being persistent.

Like lots of other things, budgeting gets better (and easier) the more you do it. But that doesn’t mean you’re immune from “Wacky Months.”

And when you have a Wacky Month, with trips or unexpected costs (or just flat out bad planning), you don’t need to stress too much because next month you’ll start a new budget and try again.

You’ll do better next month, and even better the month after that.

Photo from: ffffound

When you build your own budget, it can be as simple or as complicated as you want.

The more categories you add, the more control you’ll take, and the more information you’ll have to make better decisions in the future. Having more categories also makes it easier to find leaks in your paychecks.

It doesn’t take long to find your own comfort zone once you start.

So, how simple can you make a budget?

The ultimate purpose of starting and following a budget is to help you live two main principles: Live Within Your Means, and put your Needs Before Wants.

The simplest budget plans can be as simple as three categories:

Needs, Savings, and Wants.

Savings (even a little) will help you live within your means – and funding your Needs first makes sure you won’t get into trouble. And Wants are important too, just not as important.

Everything else is just fine tuning your unique personal budget to your unique life.

Photo by: iwona kellie

Is there something you want?

Are your needs being met first?

How much does it cost?

How long would you be willing to save up for it?

Could you pick a specific date as a goal?

How much would you have to set aside every month to have that much by then?

Can you afford that amount? (If not, could you extend your goal date?)

Where would that money come from?

Is there something you value less than your goal that you’re currently spending money on?

It could come from that.

Make it a category on your budget and set that money aside every month.

Prioritize it on your budget between something you value less, and something you value more.

(Crazy idea, I know.)

Stick with it, and it will be yours.

No guilt, no debt.