A household budget is a great idea - in theory

There are many different calculators and tools that are designed to help you create a budget.  Some people claim to be able to live on very tight budgets, with specific amounts allocated in categories such as groceries, household repairs, and clothing.  Some very frugal people claim to get by with the help of extreme couponing or even dumpster diving (as shown in the above video).  However, the reason many people fail to stick to a set budget is that it is very difficult to live life within such strict guidelines.  Should the fact that I broke down and bought my child an ice cream cone after soccer practice really keep me up at night because I went $4 over my food budget for the week?  Should the fact that I only have $30 allocated to spend on clothing this month keep me from spending my $50 in Gymbucks and purchasing next season's wardrobe for my child?  These types of situations are the reasons why many mothers have a difficult time sticking to budgets. 

Is there a place for budgeting?  Absolutely, if it is done in a less rigid way that better conforms to the way we live our lives as parents.  Instead of a strict rule on monthly clothing expenses, for example, try setting aside a certain amount of money per season for each member of the house.  You may need to look at old receipts or think about past purchases to help you figure out what to allocate for each member of the house per season.  A baby girl, for example, can probably get through the summer with $75-100 worth of clothing if you make smart purchases. However, if you are like me, not setting an upper limit can result in you spending hundreds of dollars on clothing that your baby only wears once and quickly outgrows.  For adults, setting a clothing budget can also be helpful, especially if you are a working parent that needs business type clothing or uniforms for work.  Thinking in terms of seasonal purchases may also help you to make purchases that can last through multiple seasons, such as pants that can be worn in Spring and Fall or suits made of lighter materials.   

When it comes to budgeting, think about how certain categories can be divided up based on your family's needs.  A set monthly amount for all categories is bound to cause problems for parents.  If we need to be flexible in every other part of our lives, why should we be rigid when it comes to budgeting?