You know what is really amazing? The irony of my career and my actual life being at completely opposite ends of the spectrum. I spend my days playing with other peoples money, while struggling to figure out how to deal with my own budget.

Don’t get me wrong, I have a budget. And, most of the time I stick to it. But, really, I never follow the advice that I give people all day, every day. Instead, I keep wishing that I were more dilligent in my savings and more frugal and more resigned to living beneath my means.

I save when I can, but I rarely put that first on pay day (you should totally pay yourself first and build savings).

I bring my lunch to work to save money (such a good plan, it saves a full car payment every month), but I dine out for dinner often (there went my savings from lunch).

I use coupons (MFH taught me how to do this and not hate it). Then, I buy fancy coffee.

I shop only sales (never pay retail, everything goes on sale), but have been known to buy pretty shoes that aren’t needed.

saving and spending (Photo credit: 401K)

The moral of my story? I know all of the things I am supposed to be doing to get my finances in order, but I often sabotage my own efforts.

I’m sure I’m not alone here, right? Tell me your story of self sabotage.