Things I Added to My Budget Recently

Every budget should be reexamined relatively often, especially mine. I asked for a raise (and got it!) and used it as an opportunity to make a few changes. Here’s what I did:

I increased my contribution to my Roth IRA.

I don’t max mine out yet because I have access to a 457b through my primary employer, so taking the opportunity to pay myself first by investing in my future was major key for me.

I added a hosting line item to my budget.

Because I love having people over but I don’t love draining my grocery budget, this made a lot of sense for me. It’s not exactly a common line item, honestly I hadn’t heard of anyone else doing this, but to me it made total sense.

I increased my gifts budget.

I keep a small gifts line item in my budget because I love buying my boyfriend a cookbook or sending money towards my brother’s birthday present all throughout the year. Gift giving is not limited to the holiday season and I think the best way to budget is to be honest with yourself about your spending, so I added to this instead of constantly running it over.

I also increased my budget for my around the house spending.

I’m pretty good at only buying what I need, but I noticed this was a line item I often ran over.

Now, this was not a ton of money to any category, but it was a great way to make the most of my raise. I’m proud of myself for asking and I’m even prouder of myself for choosing to use this opportunity to use my money wisely.