What percentage of married couples create, use and stick to a home budget?

Answer 1

Of the ones I know, only 1 couple does. That is about 1 out of maybe a dozen I know well enough to obtain that info. Most people don't.

People tend to think budget = restriction. Well, if they want to be in the black and not the red, they are ultimately restricted by the amount of money in their paycheck.

Answer 2

Well if the question requires that qualifying families "create, use AND stick to" their budget, I'd say less than 5%.

But if you modify the "stick to" provision and substitute "are guided by" written budget objectives, then the number is higher...maybe 20%.

Finally, most people (75%?) have an idea as to where the money goes and where they'd like it to go. But having an idea and putting it down on paper are two different things.

Answer 3

Based on the NEGATIVE savings rate in the US, I'd say very few.

We never used to even create a budget (or spending plan) until we took Dave Ramsey's "Financial Peace University" course. As Dave says, I had an 'idea' where the money went, but until it was down on paper, I never really knew for sure. What a SHOCK! Dave's course turned this financial Titanic into a fabulous personal yacht (not literally, of course, Dave would never approve!)

Answer 4

It depends on if the married couples have kids. Accidents and surprises follow kids and it's impossible to stick to budgets that way.

Answer 5

Zero percent, something always comes up over budget, just live within your means and pay cash for everything... but always wait two weeks before you buy anything to allow for good sense to set in.

Answer 6

10%

Answer 7

I don't know but if you ever need a babysitter and you live in Greensboro, NC email me at [e-mail] with the subject as babysitter!