by Pamela Kay

Created on: September 19, 2007

Sticking to a budget is a sign of financial maturity. If you view a budget in its true light, you will see it as a reckoning of your senses, a realization that you cannot thrive spending more than you earn. Even if you break even, you lose. By following a budget, you gain financial security and peace of mind in money matters.

You must be realistic about what you can and cannot live without. You will want to go out with friends and you will wear out some clothing and need to replace it, so include these things in your budget. Denying yourself all fun and pleasure will defeat you before you even start.

Don't be bashful about it; tell friends and family you are trying to learn to live on a budget. They are probable in the same boat as you are. Even if they are not, they will understand what you are trying to accomplish, and good friends will support you.

Once you have made up your mind to gain control of your finances, and garnered support from friends and family you will need a slightly flexible spending and saving plan. To make your budget, start with a list of the sources and amounts of net income per month. This is your income after all deductions have been made such as taxes, insurance and savings.

Next, list all housing expenses such as rent, mortgage, repairs, taxes, utilities, etc. Next, list all car expenses such as payments, gas, maintenance, repairs, tags, etc. Now list all debts such as credit cards, loans and other creditors. The next items to list go under the heading of miscellaneous, groceries, medical cost, club dues, haircuts, clothing, gifts, entertainment and so on.

Now total you list and then add the totals. Subtract the expenses total from the income total and you have the start of a good budget. Don't be upset if the leftover amount is small, you will be working on that next. Put your newly created budget on your refrigerator or in some other highly visible place and make notes in red ink about your successes as they happen, such as: passed on new shoes today-savings $85.00

Take control of your spending with credit cards! You get nothing for the service charges and fees you are paying. Keep one and cut up the rest.

Little cuts here and there will bring about some big results, if you say no' to the extras. If you like a double mocha latte in the morning, then have one, but don't have one every morning, make it a Friday end of the week' treat. Extras can take a big bite out of your budget if not held in check by determination.

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