I think monthly budgeting made me depressed

So I’m starting to think monthly budgeting might be part of the problem. Not always, but sometimes.

Some months are just expensive. Insurance renews. Kids stuff pops up. Summer is somehow always expensive. Christmas exists. Costco pulls me in and suddenly I’m questioning my life choices.

Then my monthly budget looks terrible and it feels like I’m failing. But when I zoom out and look at the full year, it feels easier to swallow. One expensive month doesn’t necessarily mean the whole plan is broken.

I’m a big Excel nerd and built one where I can see the full year at a glance. It definitely has helped. Especially when I do a massive Costco trip and can’t help myself 🫣

Any tips out there?