These simple questions can help you to address the budgeting weaknesses that stop you from managing your money effectively. Read on to identify your budgeting mistakes and learn to fix them. To create a realistic plan for your money, be sure you consider your set major monthly costs—rent, bills, online monthly subscription fees, student loan payments, retirement contributions—as well as discretionary costs such as entertainment-related spending. That way, you can form a realistic view of how much you really spend each month, which will help fill in the blanks when it comes to evaluating your budget. You may have to limit it to $20/month if your budget is really tight, but that small amount can help stop you from blowing your budget by giving up on your budget and blowing hundreds one weekend. Though it may seem counterintuitive, this extra little bit of money can prevent you from feeling deprived, which can lead to overspending. Try writing down your financial goals and carrying them around with you in your wallet or purse. As you pull out your cash or debit card and look at those goals, it may help remind you of the reason you have a budget. Also, try avoiding the stores or situations that lead to splurges. You may also be wasting money without realizing it. Be sure you are not buying things you do not use or need. Make a specific list of things you need to buy, and for how much, before leaving the house. This keeps you mindful of having a specific project. You’re not simply shopping with no mission in mind. You may also consider switching to a cash-only budgeting system to cut down on the time involved or trying these five budget hacks to make it easier. Making tracking your expenses as easy as possible will also help you stick to it a budget. As you reach each mini-goal, reward yourself. If you avoid eating out during the week, you may reward yourself with a nice dinner out that weekend. Or if you manage to tuck away $1,000 into your savings, you may reward yourself with a new outfit. These little rewards may give you the additional motivation that you need. But don’t go crazy with the rewards. Be sure that you do not go into debt or bust your budget as you reward yourself. When dealing with family finances, it is important to work together to avoid money and marriage problems. You can negotiate through the categories that matter the most to each other, and find a budget that works for both of you. Weekly or daily budgeting meetings can help as you work on following your budget. The daily meetings are essential to help you identify your problem areas and to control your spending. These unexpected expenses may not count as emergencies, but it is important to plan for them so they don’t derail your budget. Updated by Rachel Morgan Cautero.