Track, compare, revise, repeat. Track, compare, revise, repeat.

This seems to be my monthly mantra when it comes to budgeting. I think I fair pretty well staying on-track for the most part, but there’s always room for improvement!

The first quarter of the year has blown by and we’re almost a third finished with the second quarter of 2013. (My, how time flies!) Now’s a great time to check your goals, tweak your budget, and get serious about the rest of the year.

Lately I’ve been reevaluating my budget and spending patterns. Through blogging and reading about personal finance I’ve learned that I’m doing it all wrong! Apparently I shouldn’t be spending more than 30% on my housing needs, but that’s a hard figure to find in the big city.

Last summer my sister got married and all of my own wedding memories came flooding back to me; the evening ceremony, the dancing, and the great time I had with my guests. I had just as much fun at her wedding as I did my own.

But it also reminded me of how financially unprepared we were as young adults. Though I feel much more confident that my sister has a handle on her finances, I remember how my husband and I struggled financially those first couple of years.

For years, I didn’t have credit cards because I had majorly screwed up my credit and had gotten in over my head. Now, I’m financially responsible and use credit cards for everyday purchases – and pay them off as I go.