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Truth Time: Things I’m Glad My Budget Doesn’t Track

When we enter our transactions faithfully, our budgets become a source of truth about our spending—and that data can be pretty telling about life in general.

(Like that time I spent $28 to have ice cream delivered to my house? Yeah, I was going through some stuff, there’s no need to bring it up now. Let’s move on.)

Although that information can be extremely helpful when it comes to analyzing financial trends and adjusting behavior accordingly—yes, I could have driven one mile to the store and saved roughly $21—sometimes the accompanying reality check feels more like an NFL-caliber tackle than a reassuring hug.

Accountability hurts a little.

So, we started thinking about all of the things we’re glad our budgets don’t track. Here’s what Instagram had to offer:

Things I'm Glad My Budget Doesn't Track: CarbsWeightTime spent watching 90 Day FianceHow much candy I sneak eat around my kids My abysmal sleep habitsScreen timeThe number of trips to the fridge for an ice cream sandwichThe amount of time spent on social media
CaloriesScreen timeHow many Oreos I eat in a dayHow often I impulse buy snacks in line at Trader Joe's
How much time I waste on social media!My napsWhat I eatTime spent on TikTokThe hours I watch HuluWhat I'm actually eatingMy negative self-talk when I spend money, even from funded categoriesThe amount of time spent looking at my budget
The amount of times I WAMHow often I think about getting take outMy procrastinationMy sleepHow many times I think about spending my budget on only coffee and booksMy eating habitsHow many times I ask my cats to stop attacking our plants before moving themIf I told you, I would have to kill you
CashThe stock marketThe number of times I check my YNAB BudgetHow much bread I consumeHow often I don't exerciseCandy
How many hours I spend watching Netflix or scrolling social media How many times I move money into my fun money category because I underfundCalories on my take out and dining out categoriesGym timeHow many times I reach into the kids' snack cabinetTime spent messing with my budgetBooks bought at supermarketsHours of Netflix
My afternoon chocolate and chips intakeHow many french fries I feed my dogMy random FB marketplace sellings. Hello extra fun moneyMy Netflix hours watchedScreen timeTime on InstagramHow much coffee I drink every morningMy sleep
How many times I look up flights but don't buy ticketsWhat I actually put in my online cartAlcohol

Go ahead and enjoy your untracked indulgences, friends. No one has to know!

And keep budgeting—it’s good for you! (Unlike $28 ice cream deliveries.)

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Truth Time: Things I’m Glad My Budget Doesn’t Track