Ah, budgeting. It sounds like a friend who loves spreadsheets a little too much, doesn’t it? But here’s the twist: it’s actually your ticket to freedom, especially for military families.

Deployments? PCS moves? They’ve got nothing on you with a budget in your back pocket. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want a bit more peace of mind and cash to spare for those unexpected “adventures”?

So, while budgeting might first appear as the party pooper of your financial journey, it’s really the life of the party, giving you the freedom to enjoy the ride, all while keeping your bank account (and sanity) intact. Ready to give it a try? Trust me, your future self will thank you.

Creating a Military Family Budget: A Step-by-Step Guide

Crafting a budget that doesn’t make you want to run for the hills, especially with the unpredictable nature of military life, might sound like a mission impossible. But, hey, it’s actually doable and, dare I say, can make you feel like a financial superhero. Here’s how to not let the budget blues get you down:

1. Understand Your Income and Expenses: Start with the basics by listing all income sources—yes, that includes your partner’s paycheck and any side hustle cash.
2. Sort Your Spendings: Think of your expenses as either “fixed” (those bills that come in like clockwork every month like rent, utilities, insurance) or “variable” (the fun or not-so-fun surprises like last-minute road trips or the fridge deciding to retire without notice, groceries, entertainment, travel).
3. Prioritize Savings and Debt Repayment: Tuck away a portion for savings and debt repayment. This advice rings especially true for families like ours, where a deployment or PCS move could shift financial dynamics unexpectedly.
4. Expect the Unexpected: Create a buffer for those “Oh, c’mon!” moments, like surprise deployments or moving costs. Being flexible is your superpower.
5. Track and Adjust: Use tools and resources to keep track of your spending, and adjust as necessary. Remember, a budget isn’t a tattoo; it’s more like a post-it note. It requires periodic review and adjustment. I just created a guide to Creating a Military Family Budget where you can track your expenses (it’s FREE, you can get it here)

Making a budget isn’t about restricting freedom; it’s more like grabbing the steering wheel and steering your financial future where you want it to go. And who knows? You might just have some fun along the way.  Let’s flip this intimidating chore into an adventure that pumps you up. Ready to roll? Let’s budget like bosses and see where we end up!

If you want to get tools and resources for Budgetting, check out this blog post: right here!

Make sure you join my group here. It is filled with resources and support for military spouses and moms just like you! See what it’s about, here’s the link:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/militaryspousesbeyondborders

I will see you on the inside!

Myriam Imhoff is currently the CEO of Myriam Imhoff. She specializes in helping stay at home foreign and military moms navigate the gunk of American products. But also helping women who are seeking a path that will provide the time, freedom, and financial resources necessary for them to enjoy a fulfilled and happy life. For more information on healthier products, chemical free cleaning products or potential to make money visit www.myriam-imhoff.com.