Feet shuffle, arms become folded across chests and an uncomfortable feeling begins to permeate the air.

I must admit, I still find it strange.

Most people believe they should have a budget. Yet they don't.

Some people will launch into reasons why it didn't work for them, which is their excuse for not having one.

Others will stammer and blush, and listen half-heartedly, their eyes rolling around the room frantically trying to find another topic of conversation.

The Macquarie Dictionary defines budget as "to plan allotment of funds or time".

The definition doesn't need any explanation.

So if it's that easy to understand, why is it a word that instills fear into most people?

Is it because we think we might have to miss out on something?

We live in a society today where we're told that we can "have it all".

We're expected to keep up with the latest trends in fashion, housing, cars, technology and lifestyles. Sounds wonderful, but how do we pay for it?

We also live in a world that has double standards.

My company's name, Budget Bitch, was the result of a nick-name coined by several clients and when I went to reserve it with ASIC, it was refused -- without an explanation.

Not accepting "no" without a reason, I phoned their office.

I was told "there's an unacceptable word in the name".

Hmmmm, after thinking for a moment I asked: "Would that be the word budget?"

There was a pause and the voice said: "Why do you think that?"

I replied: "Well, say the word budget and you'll always get a negative reaction. Saying the word bitch doesn't seem to get much of a response at all these days."

More silence.

Then very quietly, I was told that it wasn't the word "budget" and that my name had been rejected.

Of course, I was allowed to appeal the decision and while getting my submission in order I discovered that there were 20 businesses registered with the name "bitch", and almost a dozen other Australian companies.