10/21/2026
My wife and I have been living debt-free for almost 19 years, and we still say these five words:
“That’s not in the budget.”
Recently, we considered taking a trip over Thanksgiving. Then we looked at the airline prices and agreed they were too high.
We could have made the trip happen, but we would have had to take money away from something else we had already planned.
We allocate a specific amount for travel each year. Squeezing in an unplanned trip would have disrupted our budget and financial goals.
So, we passed.
Here’s the lesson: Just because you can buy something doesn’t mean you should.
A budget isn't designed to keep you from enjoying life. Its designed to help you enjoy life without sacrificing what matters most.
My wife and I have learned that winning with money doesn't mean saying yes to every opportunity. Sometimes, it means saying no to something good to protect something that's more important.
If you don’t like the feeling you get when you have to admit something isn’t in your budget, don’t worry. You’re not failing at money. You’re just being an adult. 😂
To your financial fitness!
https://gametimebudgeting.com