Budgeting can be a powerful tool for financial success, but it's not always easy to stick to a budget consistently. Many individuals find themselves in a budgeting loop where they try then fail, try then fail and so on never being able to stick to a budget more that a month or two. Facing challenges when trying to adhere to financial plans coupled with not being where you want to be financially can create some pretty awful feelings when it comes to money. Associating stress and anxiety to money can make the task of facing a budget even more daunting, enter avoidance stage right. Here are five reasons why people struggle to stick to their budgets:

1. Childhood Conditioning: Our upbringing often shapes our attitudes toward money. If you grew up hearing phrases like "money doesn't grow on trees" or witnessed financial struggles at home, these experiences can form deep-seated beliefs about money. Overcoming these ingrained beliefs can be challenging and may lead to impulsive spending or overspending.

2. The Quest for Significance: In a consumer-driven society, many people equate their self-worth with material possessions. The desire for social status and the belief that acquiring more stuff will lead to happiness can result in overspending and an inability to stick to a budget.

3. Lack of Clarity: Without clear financial goals, it's easy to lose motivation. People often set vague objectives like "save money" or "reduce debt" without specifying how much or by when. This lack of clarity can lead to frustration and abandonment of budgeting efforts.

4. Unexpected Expenses: Life is full of surprises, and unexpected expenses can derail even the most well-planned budgets. Without an emergency fund or a plan for handling unforeseen costs, people may abandon their budgets to address these financial curveballs.

5. Impulse Buying: Impulse buying is a budget's worst enemy. The allure of spontaneous purchases can be hard to resist, especially in a world filled with tempting advertisements and sales. These unplanned expenses can quickly add up, making it challenging to stay within budgetary limits.

Understanding these common challenges can help individuals develop strategies to overcome them and achieve financial success. By addressing childhood conditioning, reevaluating the quest for significance, setting clear goals, preparing for unexpected expenses, and curbing impulse buying, anyone can improve their budgeting skills and secure a more stable financial future.

These 5 issues are all tackled in the course Epically Budgeted where we take a deep dive into what you are currently doing with your money and why, break down the current framework your using and rebuild it to be aligned with your goals and current means. Sign up to today to learn more.