“When we have some money…” is getting to be one of those phrases that I’m really starting to hate. My wife has been uttering statements starting with that bit for the last few months, in reference to all sorts of things we are wanting.
Things like:
- going on a nice vacation: $500-$1,000+
- purchasing some additional exercise equipment: $100-$1,000+
- a gallon or two of paint for some naked trim we have in our home: $25-$50
- Or additional new underwear for our potty-training-in-progress toddler: $5
The first two would certainly be Good Things™, and setting aside a little extra every month would be an excellent way to afford them without any undue damage to the budget versus a big one time payout.
The last two just annoy me, however. Why? Because they’re already in our budget, Dear! That is precisely what that Clothing and that Household line item are all about. If we overspend the budget in certain areas, we either need to tighten up ship, or we need to adjust the budget.
But here’s the thing: we’re not overspending in those areas. Go ahead. Spend. Be a good consumer. We planned on it… 
