How to Stick to a Budget (Without Giving Up Coffee, Fun or Your Sanity)

Because spreadsheets are boring — but building freedom isn’t.

Trying to stick to a budget — but it keeps falling apart by week three? You’re not alone. Most Australians start with the best of intentions but end up back where they started. The secret? A budget that actually fits your life.

Here’s how to create a realistic budget that works — without sacrificing your Friday night wine, gym membership, or last shred of joy.

1. Track before you tweak

Don’t guess. Get nosy.
Track your spending for 30 days. Every tap, swipe, and ‘oops’. Awareness is your strongest budgeting tool — and the first step to real change.

2. Pick a method that fits your brain

You’re not a robot. Don’t budget like one.
Try the 70/20/10 rule if you like simplicity:

• 70%     for living
• 20%     for future-you
• 10%     for guilt-free splurges

Prefer structure? Go full power-user with zero-based budgeting — every dollar gets a job.

3. Budgetfor joy

Fun is not the enemy of finance.
A joyless budget is a useless budget. Build in room for the things you love: brunches, hobbies, holidays. Just plan them — don’t wing them.

4. Automate the boring bits

Because willpower is overrated.
Set and forget. Automate savings, bills and debt payments. Make doing the right thing the default — not the effort.

5. Checkin, not out

Budgets aren’t tattoos.
Your budget should evolve as your life does. Review it monthly. Keep what works. Tweak what doesn’t. Celebrate the small wins.

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