by D.C. Cushman

Created on: April 23, 2008

We all have a love hate relationship with money. And, we all know that the majority of Americans have a difficult time with money. Well, there's no time like the present to admit that I am one of those Americans. Perhaps you are too? Well, I have a few tips and hints that will help you quit procrastinating getting your finances on track, save you a few bucks and have control over where your money goes.

1.Learn how to balance your checkbook using Microsoft Excel. I use my computer, and have found this an excellent way to avoid mistakes. If you are handy with Microsoft Excel, this if your lucky day! If not, use your excellent resourcing skills and learn the basics. Set up a database that has a separate spreadsheet for each of your bank accounts. Layout your spreadsheet like your checkbook balance booklet, and enter a sum formula in the total remaining column that subtracts debits, and adds credits. You can't screw up math the computer automatically does for you! If you're feeling excited about the possibilities that Excel has, incorporate a spreadsheet for your credit cards that denotes how much credit you have on each card, and tracks the monthly balance. Now, set up a bill pay schedule spreadsheet. I use a bi-monthly schedule. I list all my accounts, in the first column, including work pay, and leaving blank spaces in case you open a new account or have another source of income. Now, round up an estimate for each monthly bill, i.e. if the electric bill is usually around $75, enter $80. Then, I use the sum formula and add all my bills in a bill tally, then subtract my bills from my estimated income. The remaining balance is what you have left over after your regular bills go through. This is the cash you can basically count on to estimate gas, food, and other expenses. You can also set up a budget spreadsheet if you feel inclined. Make sure you round everything up. That way, if you have to pay more, or less, you have enough leeway to cover your costs. You need to take into account that you are responsible for keeping track of everything you spend by keeping receipts or using your on-line banking account to enter transactions. If you forget a receipt or don't remember the exact amount of something, round up to an even amount, then check your on-line bank account in a couple days to get the specifics and change what you estimated. Remember to back up your balance weekly on discs, print outs or an external hard-drive.

2.Commit to a specific percentage or amount of

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