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Does the word "budget" give you the same sinking feeling as the word "diet"? Our logic tells us that both are good for us, but it is very difficult to not think in terms of being deprived. "What?" we cry. "No more grabbing those great shoes we finally find on sale? No more double fudge sundaes? Are you kidding?" Budgeting our finances takes time, thought, work, and self-control, but like going on a diet, and with the right attitude, it can give tangible and meaningful rewards.

Stress is one of the most insidious risks we all face. If we are stressed, it can lead to disease, marital discord, anger issues, depression, and other mental, physical and social problems. Money is a fact of life, something we all deal with on a daily basis, impossible to ignore, yet it takes up much of our time and mental energy in making decisions about how to earn it, spend it, save it, and have enough of it. It is, by it's nature, stressful. To truly improve our lives, we have to face money head-on and decide some rules on how to make it work for us and our happiness. If we can see the word "budget" and not cringe, we are on our way to changing our perception of what money is and is not. The first rule is, "money can't buy happiness". It can make life easier if you have enough to pay your bills, but millionaires have their troubles, too.

The second rule applies whether you are single or a couple. "Honesty is the best policy". It doesn't matter if you're starting out up to your eyebrows in debt or are living on the edge of sliding under the bus, or even if you are doing fine but would like to have a budget to start a family, to purchase a vacation home, or are planning for retirement. Money is money. The tricky part is that not one of us has a crystal ball for the future, so honesty is essential. Take time to sit down with pencils and paper and start to plan your future.

You can find hundreds of books and articles on how to budget that are good references for ideas, but finding the way that works for you is important. It solidifies your own inspirations and ideas. You are in charge. You need to agree and be of one mind. It is a great feeling to pass by a sale, knowing you are focused on your goal. It becomes easier with time and practice, and the good feelings about yourself lend to improved self-esteem and inner happiness. A happy person eases stress and tensions in home life. And it's a good way to lose the guilt!

Another positive of budgeting is to learn to get past our need

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