Why Finding a budget method and shopping for jeans are similar
Looking for a budgeting method that actually fits YOU can be a process. In fact, I think it is similar to shopping for jeans. If you are a curvy girl like myself, you know that shopping for jeans can be an adventure.
Hashtag - curvy girl searches for jeans that fit her waist AND her booty AND her thighs and are NOT 90% spandex 😬
The struggle is real!
Well, I’ve been shopping for new jeans and through this pile of jeans in the dressing room (It’s a process) I discovered a money lesson.
Ready for it?
Shopping for Jeans is like finding a budget method that works for you; ONE SIZE DOESN'T FIT ALL!
When we think one size fits all, we commit one of the most common budgeting mistakes: we give up too early.
We assume that it should JUST WORK. And with these assumptions and expectations - you aren’t setting yourself up for success.
Perhaps you’re also doing this to yourself when you shop.
I don’t know about you, but I don’t like to feel frustrated with anything. So let’s break this experience down so you can be set up for success.
Here are 3 things I want you to pay attention to. Apply to your shopping game too if you’d like ;)
COLLECT DATA!
I know that sounds super boring. But we have to know what is working and what doesn’t work. And when we collect data - we will have a better idea of what step to take next. For example - I know that a pair of jeans that fits my booty and my thighs, is probably not going to fit my waist. And the jeans that fit my waist, those aren’t even getting over my booty. So - because I know this…I’m not discouraged - it just sets me up to look for something different. You probably already know what might or might not work for you when it comes to budgeting. Example - if you hate apps, you probably need a more analog method.
BE CREATIVE!
If I know I need a smaller waistband and a bigger booty area (save the peach!), then It guides my process. I look for the size that will fit my waist and within that size, I look for cuts like: wide leg, slouchy, boyfriend fit, baggy. Cuz I know those will actually be fitted on me - not as they are advertised. That might seem bananas to someone else, and that’s okay. I want you to approach your money flow like this. It doesn’t have to make sense to ANYONE ELSE - just you!
TRY THINGS ON!
Listen, some of my jeans methods work at Old Navy, but don’t at Banana. You know? It just depends. So I keep trying things on. The goal is to get a pair of jeans that FITS ME and FEELS GOOD and friend, this is also your goal when it comes to a good money flow. Sometimes - your money starts to shift, expenses change, you change etc. and when that happens - we just go back to trying things. We can’t be one and done. Keep trying things on for size.
DO NOT give up too early my friend. Keep trying things. Pay attention to what is working and what feels good. YOU WILL find the thing - trust me.
Don’t let the labels and the structures you can’t control stress you out and make you feel bad. They’re just a starting point.
Xoxo - Bri
