Panicking through Budgeting

Every year, I realise I have no where near enough money to accomplish all the things that I want to do. I budget a year's worth of income from my business at once, and try to fit in all the 'big things' that need to be done, like making my RRSP contribution, or setting aside my 'pay' for the entire year. This gives me anxiety to no end.

I usually pull Hubby into the process when I cannot stand the anxiety anymore. I need his input on how to prioritise all the things we want to accomplish. Our priorities are usually in some kind of order like this:
RRSP first, then rent for the year. After that comes debts owed and priority expenses like insurances. When I have put off something for a fair amount of time, like paying the lawyer's retainer fee, it gets bumped upward on the list. If it's a 'nice to have', but not dire, it gets put way low on the list.

So to try to maintain some level of priority on my financial goals, I have redone my 2011 Financial Goals Page. Color coded to remind me of what's most important, and in order. As we knock off one of the goals in red, we can bump something from green to the red area, and something from the blue area to the green. I can 'work' on all of these things at any time, but I must prioritise the RED GOALS first!!

All of this to relieve my anxiety. While working on the beginnings of a yearly budget the other morning, I actually started to feel physically panicked. I know me. I know that the only way to relieve that panic is to share it with hubby, and to get a plan put in place, however imperfect it may be. I know our budgeting will never be 'perfect'. My income fluctuates way too much for it to ever be perfect.

I must not panic. I must remember to breathe deeply. I must remember that all will come with time, diligence and hard work. I must remember I am not alone in my struggle, and to ask B for his help when I cannot see clearly. This too shall pass.