Do you realize that many families fail to stick to their budget because it is too restricting? And that cutting out every little pleasure from your budget can actually backfire and cause you to overspend? Sound crazy? It isn't!

Many families make the mistake by cutting back so drastically that there is nothing pleasurable left. Then they get caught in the cycle of "oh this added expense won't matter" because they haven't budgeted for any at all. Yet more often than not, they will add these little expenses over and over throughout the month, causing much more overspending than if you had budgeted for any of these in the first place.

Of course, budgeting means saving money. So instead of two trips to the movie theatre for your family of four each month, budget for a movie rental each weekend. Or if you must make a special trip to the theatre, plan it for the cheap night, and don't buy your movie snacks from the theatre.

Instead of a family outing to a local amusement park, plan a picnic at a local park or beach instead.

Choose a lower-priced restaurant, or choose to go to a fancy restaurant only once a month, rather than eating six or eight family meals out at a moderately priced restaurant.

When you plan for pleasures in your budget, it is much more realistic, and you are that much more likely to stick to it in the long run.