Question:

I took my new client furniture shopping and everything that she picked out is way over the budget that we established and that she agreed upon. There is no way I can finish this room in budget with what she picked out. We will be $20,000 short!

What do I do?

Answer:

When you put the room together be sure to select pieces that are within the budget and that look, as close as you can find, to what she wants to buy. This “in budget” selection is what you will put in your final budget sheet and you will offer her more expensive choices in a plan ”B.” You can reassure her that her choices are wonderful and will make the space even better and more personal.

The reason for all this?

YOU need to stay in budget and do what you said you would do. However, she can spend more if she wants to.

Be careful not to step in and try to be in charge of her money or her spending – it is up to her. You are in charge of being a “good steward” of the budget and that is all.
If she wants to go over the established budget and she buys some extra wonderful things, she can. This way you will both benefit.