With the way the market is today, and a recession on the cusp, it’s more important than ever to keep finances in check. But traditional budgeting can sometimes feel a bit mundane and hard to keep up with. That’s where a budgeting bullet journal comes in handy. It’s one of the hottest trends in personal finances, and believe it or not, keeping a trendy budgeting bullet journal can actually be fun!
Budgeting Bullet Journal: The What, The Why, and The How
There are many different ways to keep track of your finances. And a budgeting bullet journal, or budgeting BuJo, is, simply put, a journal or notebook for budgeting just the way you want. Forget detailed spreadsheets and boring apps. Layout your forecasted income, planned spending, and upcoming expenses in an effective way that works for you.
READ MORE: Why You Need to Buy a Bullet Journal Like, Today
Just like you’d use a diary or journal for keeping track of your feelings, emotions, and day-to-day life, using a budgeting bullet journal gives you a place to not only record your salary or paychecks, but see where you spend your hard-earned cash, and plan for big expenses, but also gives you a place to note your behaviors and thoughts on spending to get better. No spreadsheet will do that.
It’s really easy to start one too. It’s just a matter of having a journal and making it a habit of using it.
Gather Materials
The biggest part of having a budgeting bullet journal is the journal itself. And really, you can use any notebook, small, big, old, new – it doesn’t matter. But if you have to go out and buy a new one, why not pick out one you feel proud to carry? Maybe it’s pretty with flowers, or maybe it is embellished with a motivational quote. Just make sure it’s something you’re happy using.
READ MORE: 6 Ways To Teach Your Kids About Finance
And while, yes you can use a regular pencil or pen, having a few special writing instruments may make using your budgeting bullet journal that much more fun. So pick up at set of colorful gel pens like these, maybe a few sheets of stickers, and even a small ruler to make sure those lines stay nice and tidy. It’s really as simple as that!
Want to go even easier? Just pick up this finance planner set that comes with everything you need!
10 Inspiring Spread Ideas
If you know anything about journalling, you know it’s all about the spreads. Spreads are just hand-drawn layouts you create yourself to organize and make your journal work for you. With spreads, the options are endless!
READ MORE: 7 Simple Accounting Basics Everyone Should Know
Even if you’re not creative, spreads can easily be found online to duplicate. And it’s also easy to find printables if you’d rather print them and glue them into a journal. Check out some of our favorite spread inspiration for budgeting bullet journal setup below:
- A simple budget and spending log
- A fun, retro habit tracker
- A simple, happy calendar theme
- Strawberry expenses
- Gratitude is a big part of finances – so how about a log for it?
- Monthly goals and shopping list
- Budget goals
- Financial emotions entry
- Keeping track of wins
- Annual goals
10 Different Journal Prompts
A journal ultimately is a place for someone to reflect on themselves. For a budgeting bullet journal, that means really reflecting on finances, and the habits and behaviors with money. One way to dive deep into those feelings is by asking yourself a question. Bullet journal budgeting prompts are a great way to get those mental juices flowing. So when you’re stuck, try one of these journal prompts to get you back on track.
- Imagine you inherit $10,000 from a relative. What would you do with that money right now?
- Think about someone who you believe is good with money. What top 5 qualities around finances do they have?
- What is the top negative money habit you have, and how can you take steps to improve it?
- What was the worst piece of financial advice you’ve received?
- What is the best piece of financial advice you’ve received?
- What is your biggest money-related fear?
- Describe your relationship with money in one sentence.
- In 1 year, 5 years, and 10 years, where do you want to see your finances?
- What are your top 3 life values and do your finances support those?
While bullet journaling for your finances may not be for everyone, budgeting bullet journals are a really cool and trendy way to stay on top of your money. So grab a journal and a pen and get started on your new financial wellness journey.
WANT TO READ MORE?
Check out Daily Mom’s article on 5 Helpful Tips For Budgeting This Year.
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