What if I told you that treating your budget like a diet could actually make it easier and way more effective? In today’s episode, I’m sharing why your wallet and your waistline have more in common than you think—and how you can use this simple mindset shift to crush your financial goals without feeling deprived. Sound like something you need? Well then, let’s get started!
Links for This Episode
- Check out these DIY Resources and Templates
- Download your FREE Family Budget Worksheet
- Join the Financial Fix Up Membership
Podcast Episode Recommendations
- #49: 3 Reasons Not to Give Up Lattes for Financial Success
- #28: Why These 3 Popular Money Moves Don’t Work
- #13: 5 Savings Funds Every Family Budget Needs
- #8: 3 Simple Ways to Create Your Family Grocery Budget
Grab Your Financial Fix Up Planner Today
Here’s the deal: in order to achieve your long-term financial goals, you have to have a budget that works for you and your family. That means, getting super clear on your income, expenses, and total debt payoff amounts, so you can make any necessary changes and begin to see progress. That’s exactly what the Financial Fix Up Planner is designed to help you do. With step-by-step instructions to set up your budget, monthly challenges to keep you on your toes, menu planning resources, and space to reflect on your goals, you’ll have everything you need to pursue your dream of financial freedom. Sound like something you need? You can grab your copy today at lemonblessings.com/planner and take back control of your family finances. Once again that’s lemonblessings.com/planner for your copy of the Financial Fix Up Planner.
How to Reclaim Your Budget Using Simple Dieting Strategies
Hey there, and welcome back to this episode of the Financial Fix Up Podcast. I’m your host, Sarah Brumley, and today we’re adding a fun twist to personal finance: treating your budget like a diet. I know, I know—dieting might sound like something you only do when you’ve had too many cookies, and budgeting might feel like something you tackle only when your credit card bill gets out of hand. But here’s the thing: they have a lot in common. Both require discipline, daily check-ins, and they can make a huge impact on your life if you stick with them.
Before we dive in, I want you to take a moment and think—what’s one financial goal you’ve been putting off? Maybe it’s building an emergency fund, paying off that lingering student loan, or saving for a family vacation. Go ahead and pause the episode if you need to, and jot it down in your notes app or a journal. Getting clear on your goal is the first step to making it happen.
Now, if you’re feeling skeptical, stick around—I’ll walk you through why thinking of your budget like a diet can actually make money management a whole lot easier. By the end of the show, you’ll have some practical steps you can start using right away. Sound good? Let’s dive in!
Budget vs. Diet
Let’s start by looking at the big picture. What do diets and budgets have in common? Well, for one, they’re both goal-oriented. If you’re on a diet, maybe you’re trying to lose a few pounds, build muscle, or just feel healthier. If you’re on a ‘money diet,’ you’re probably aiming to save up for something—like a dream vacation, a down payment on a house, or simply achieving financial peace of mind.
Both also require daily discipline. You can’t just watch what you eat once a month and expect to see results—same goes for your money. Checking your bank balance once a month isn’t gonna cut it if you really want to see your finances improve.
And then there’s the temptation factor. On a diet, maybe you’re trying to dodge that slice of chocolate cake. With money, perhaps you’re trying not to splurge on takeout, that daily latte, or those flash sales that pop up in your inbox. We all have our weaknesses, right? The point is, in both dieting and budgeting, you need to be aware of where your weak spots are and come up with strategies to handle them.
I remember when I first tried to cut back on takeout. I told myself I wouldn’t order pizza for an entire month. Well, two weeks in, there I was, ordering extra cheese. But instead of beating myself up, I adjusted. I set a smaller goal—takeout only once a week—and that made all the difference.
Setting & Tracking Realistic Goals
All right, let’s get down to business: how do you actually set goals for your financial “diet”?
First, just like with weight loss or fitness, you need to define your “why.” Maybe you want to clear out student loans so you can finally breathe a little easier. Perhaps you’re a freelancer dealing with irregular income and want a buffer for those lean months. Or maybe you’re saving for your kids’ education or that dream family vacation. Whatever it is, a personal, meaningful reason will keep you motivated when things get tough.
Next, make your goals both specific and realistic. If you’re trying to lose weight, you wouldn’t say, ‘I want to lose a bunch of weight by tomorrow.’ That’s not realistic. It’s the same with money. If you normally save zero dollars, aiming to save half your income next month might be too extreme. Start smaller. Maybe focus on saving an extra $100 per month and then build from there.
Now, let’s talk about tracking. In dieting, you might count calories or macros. With money, you track your spending. You can use a basic spreadsheet, go old-school with a notebook, or, if you want something more structured, try the Financial Fix Up Planner. Yes, it can feel tedious in the beginning—just like calorie counting—but it’s worth it. My family once realized we were shelling out $300 a month on streaming services we hardly used! Cutting back freed up extra cash for a family game night fund.
Of course, tracking alone won’t solve everything. Temptations will arise, and that’s where “cheats” come in.
Managing Temptations & Cheats
Even the strictest dieters allow for an occasional cheat meal, right? If you try to be perfect all the time, you’ll burn out. The same goes for your budget. If you never give yourself any fun money, you’ll probably snap and overspend later. So plan those “cheats.” Give yourself a small monthly allowance that’s totally guilt-free—maybe a latte or a new book. Think of it like a cheat day on a diet: intentional, planned, and not something to feel bad about.
But what about random temptations—like a flash sale or late-night takeout cravings? Try the 72-hour rule: if you see something you really want, wait three days. Most of the time, the urge fades, and you end up saving money.
Will You Treat Your Budget Like a Diet?
And there you have it – your roadmap for treating your budget like a diet: set achievable goals, track your spending, and manage temptations along the way.
Here’s your actionable tip for the week: take one small financial goal—maybe it’s ‘Don’t order takeout more than twice this week’—and track your progress in a simple way. Write it down in a notebook or your phone, and by the end of the week, you’ll see just how much you’ve saved.
Of course if you do need help getting that budget off the ground or just need additional support staying on track, I highly recommend grabbing a copy of the Financial Fix Up Planner. It has everything you need to work through this process and encouragement to keep you motivated for the next 12 months. You can grab yours at lemonblessings.com/planner or by clicking the link in the show notes.
Whatever you decide, just know that I’m cheering you on! You’ve got this! Have an amazing day and I’ll chat with you again next time!
