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Game Day: Planning My Spending for the Week and Reviewing My Month So Far

Writer's picture: Dee MartinDee Martin

In football, Game Day is when everything comes together. It’s when you see how well your team has performed and adjust your strategy for the next quarter. For me, Game Day in finances is when I sit down to plan my spending for the next week (my quarter) and review my progress for the month (my game).


Just like a football team, I need a solid game plan that accounts for the essentials, risks, and opportunities. Every week, my financial offensive line (essential expenses) needs to block for my goals, while my quarterback (discretionary income) makes smart decisions on where to allocate extra funds. But I also need a strong defensive line (budget) to protect me from unexpected costs that could throw me off track.


Setting Up My Financial Offensive Line: Ideal Spending Percentages


My offensive line is made up of my essential expenses—those non-negotiables that protect my financial goals from being overwhelmed. Just like in football, a strong offensive line gives my quarterback (discretionary income) the time and space to make smart plays.


Here’s how I divide my spending:


1. Housing (Center): 25-30% of my income

• Housing is my center. It’s the foundation of my financial offense. Where I live dictates everything else in my financial life, from where I work to the lifestyle I can afford.

2. Transportation (Left Tackle): 10-15% of my income

• Transportation is key to getting me where I need to go, like a left tackle protecting the quarterback’s blind side. Whether it’s a car payment or gas, my transportation costs need to be under control.

3. Food (Right Guard): 10-15% of my income

• Food is a constant need—just like the right guard protects the quarterback. This covers my groceries, dining out, and anything that fuels my household.

4. Utilities (Right Tackle): 5-10% of my income

• My utilities keep my home functioning, like electricity, water, internet, and phone bills. These are the things I rely on daily.

5. Insurance (Left Guard): 5-10% of my income

• Insurance covers health, auto, home, and life—just like a left guard protects the quarterback from pressure. It’s crucial for my financial safety net.


Discretionary Spending: My Quarterback’s Play


Once my offensive line is in place, it’s time for my quarterback—my discretionary income—to make plays. This is the money I have left after covering the basics, and I get to decide where it goes. Just like a quarterback on the field, I have several “receivers” (opportunities) I can pass the ball to.


Where Am I Distributing the Ball This Week?


Investments (Wide Receiver): Some of my discretionary income might go to long-term investments like stocks, bonds, or retirement accounts. These are my riskier plays, but they could have big payoffs.

Savings (Running Back): I need to keep contributing to my savings. It’s my steady, reliable option that helps me stay prepared for emergencies or future purchases. This week, I’ll need to rely on it even more.

Experiences (Tight End): Sometimes, I spend on experiences or hobbies—things that bring me joy and balance. With my kids on fall break and a family wedding coming up, I’ll definitely be giving this position some attention.


What Bills Are Coming Up? My Defensive Line (Budget) for the Week


While my offensive line focuses on spending, I need my defensive line (my budget) to protect me from going overboard. This week, I know I’ve got some extra events coming up, so it’s important to have a solid budget in place to avoid any financial fumbles.


Upcoming Expenses This Week:


Kids on Fall Break: With the kids home, I know I’ll be spending more on food, entertainment, and activities. My regular budget needs to account for these extra costs.

Nephew’s Wedding in Kansas: Travel, lodging, and other wedding expenses are going to add up. I’ll likely need to pull from my savings account to cover these costs and make sure I’m not caught off guard.


Next Man Up: Using My Savings to Cover the Extra Expenses


In football, when a starter gets injured, the backup has to step up. That’s how I see my savings this week. With the extra expenses of fall break and the wedding, I’ll have to rely on my savings to carry me through. This is like calling in my backup players to take over when my regular income can’t cover the costs.


I’ll be pulling from my savings account to make sure I can get through the week and finish the month without too much stress. Having savings is like having a deep roster—ready to step in when I need it.


Conclusion: Planning My Financial Game for the Week


Just like a football team adjusts its game plan based on what’s happening on the field, I need to adjust my financial plan based on upcoming events and expenses. By focusing on my offensive line (essential expenses), quarterback (discretionary income), and defensive line (budget), I can make sure I’m in the best position to meet my financial goals.


This week, with extra spending on the horizon, I know it’s important to plan ahead, budget carefully, and rely on my savings if necessary. The key to financial success is being flexible and prepared for whatever life throws at me—just like a winning football team adjusts throughout the game.



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