Impulse Buying

• Impulse buying and budgets aren't a good mix but that pair of killer shoes or heart-stopping handbag spotted in a shop window can seem irresistible. Staying away from temptation is an effective way to stop impulse buying. Avoid window-shopping, leave your credit card at home and pay with cash when you are shopping for necessities like groceries. Make a list before you go shopping and stick to it. Learning the art of deferred gratification also helps people say no to impulse buying. Think about that holiday you're saving for, or the down-payment on your dream home, the next time you are tempted by an item you want but don't need.
  
  

Miscalculating Expenses

• It's easy to miscalculate how much money you have to spend each month. Someone might, for example, forget to allow for interest payments on an overdraft or for payments on purchases that are taken out of her bank account later than the expected date. Keeping a note of purchases made by check or credit card and regularly monitoring your bank account helps to prevent this.
  
  

Emergencies

• Emergencies can make a dent in even the most disciplined budget. The central heating system stops working in the middle of winter, or the washing machine or oven suddenly breaks down, forcing you to pay to for expensive repairs or replacements. Setting aside money for emergencies or insuring household goods for breakdowns and accidental breakages can prepare you for the unexpected and leaves your budget intact.
  
  

Unrealistic Budget

• People can sometimes set budgets that are too rigid. You are more likely to exceed your monthly or weekly spending limit if you leave no margin for small treats and luxuries. Leave a small amount of money for spending on pleasurable activities. If you enjoy an occasional lunch with friends or to treat yourself to a bottle of wine now and again, allow for it in your budget. This can stop you from feeling deprived and you are less likely to blow your budget by going on a lethal spending spree.