30 Warning Signs that You’ll Crash and Burn Without a Budget

Start a budget today

I’m not prophetic in the sense that I can foretell the future. However, I am prophetic in the sense that I can forth tell.

I can promise you that if ten of the following items describe you, then you must start a budget before the day is out.

30 Warning Signs That You Absolutely Must Have a Budget

You make six figures and still bounce checks.
You think you live off more salaries than members of your household. Your salary. Your spouse’s salary. Plus, a little extra help from Master Card.
Your credit card bill arrives, and your bank account doesn’t have enough cash to cover the balance.
You try to tell your kids “no”, and they look at you like like you’re speaking a different language.
You still don’t have the nerve to tell your kids that money doesn’t grow on trees.
You lay your head on your pillow, but your mind refuses to rest.
Your mind is like a human calculator that spends more time worrying than praying.
You say a short ‘Lord save us’ prayer before opening the mailbox.
You answer the phone under a fraudulent name – “Dollar Diner, Craig speaking.” Your stomach turns every time you hear the phone ring.
You peek over people’s shoulders at the grocery store just to remind yourself of what a dollar looks like.
You ask, “Where did it all go?” and you’re not talking about the time.
You stop and get gas multiple times a week because you can only afford a few dollars at a time.
You feel worry and anxiety over your money, but you still go out shopping just to feel better.
Your finances are like a leaky faucet, but you just can’t find the source of the leak.
You think making more money is a sure solution to your financial problems.
You believe that by throwing a credit card bill in the trash you won’t have to deal with it.
You think budgeting is a bad thing.
You’re content to eat oatmeal for breakfast, bread for lunch, and Ramen Noodles for supper because that’s all you’ll be able to afford.
Your idea of a long term financial plan is hoping that your kids will grow up and be wealthy (and willing) enough to take care of you.
Your ATM always gives you the message – insufficient balance.
Someone asks you if you have an emergency fund, and you show them your credit card.
You think that investing for the future involves a piggy bank that is almost full.
You naively think social security will offer you the retirement of your dreams.
You think loving your children means always saying ‘yes’ to their every request.
You rely on your credit card when your paycheck isn’t hefty enough to cover your expenses.
Your idea of saving up for a big vacation is calling and asking for a credit limit increase.
The value of your car is more than your bank balance.
You’ve been temped to take money out of the church contributions (instead of putting it in).
You’ve ever wanted to be in a better financial position.
You read this list and identify with more than 5 items.