Juggling the budget is essentially taking from line A to pay for items on line B. The problem with this is that while you may still have the money sitting there on line A, it is most likely earmarked for another significant part of the project. Otherwise, why would you have budgeted money on line A in the first place?

Essentially, the only way to avoid getting into budget trouble is to plan your budget very carefully and stick to it throughout the project. If you need to juggle, you'll need to take money away from the lowest priority area of the project and place it into a higher priority area. That may mean you'll have fewer new lounge chairs on the new pool deck, but at least you'll be able to pay the contractor to finish building the deck.

Inevitably, there will be decisions that need to be addressed throughout the life of the project. Unforeseen circumstances may mean spending extra money. For this reason, it's wise to look for one area of the project where you can cut costs early on. This may give you a place to turn when such emergency funds are needed. Look at the lowest priority items first and consider them your luxury items, those that will be there if the budget allows and nothing unforeseen takes the money. Perhaps you want a hotel suite on your trip to Paris. You may have to settle for a more standard room if you're stuck paying a speeding ticket because you were late leaving for the airport. Expect the unexpected and be glad if you can afford any luxuries in your budget.