In Sinclair Lewis's novel "Main Street," the protagonist takes a practical approach to managing her finances. She purchases a budget-plan account book, aiming to create a clear financial plan for her household. This action reflects her desire for organization and control over her spending. However, the quote humorously notes that despite her efforts, the budgets may still be imprecise due to the inherent limitations of budgeting.

This situation highlights the challenges many face when trying to plan their finances accurately. The character's determination represents a common struggle between aspiration and reality in budgeting, suggesting that even with careful planning, financial management can be quite unpredictable.