Budget Girl: how to stick to a budget and questions answered

How do you stick to the budget when you want to be spontaneous? More Money Mondays/ Finance Fridays: Subscribe! - Things mentioned: My copy-able budget: Sinking funds: How I price match: Questions asked: Mel Mel Hi Budget Girl. I really like your videos and have a general question about adjusting to living on a budget. I have a six month emergency fund and no debt apart from my mortgage. I always seem to break even each month instead of adding more to retirement savings or paying off my mortgage early. I've started writing out a monthly budget and it has some wiggle room but I still find it hard to keep to. My biggest problems are emotional spending on little treats that add up, wanting to be spontaneous and simply not being disciplined enough. I'm used to spending what I have and I find it hard to deny myself! Did you find these things hard at first? Do you have any tips? Background info - I'm not a huge spender but I work in the charity sector and my income isn't very high. Housing costs are also expensive here in the UK. I don't want to get another job because I'm already working, studying and fixing up my house myself to save money on contractors. I live fairly frugally, cook my own food, use the library, shop mostly at cheap shops. Having said that, I could realistically reduce my spending a bit. Bayley Harris Hey! My question is once you pay off a student loan, do you have to close the account or do any finalizing paperwork? Thanks and love your channel! Moreen Valentine Since you're a journalist, maybe you can freelance blogging/writing gigs? Frugally Fabulous