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Sticking to a budget. Those may be the three scariest words in the English language, especially for anyone trying to save money or find their way out of debt. Sticking to a budget doesn't have to be a scary prospect, as long as you follow some tried and true tips.

Do set realistic goals...do not "shoot for the moon".

One of the biggest reason why people cheat on their budgets, or drop them all together is because they set completely unrealistic and impossible to achieve goals. If your goal is to save $10,000 for retirement in one year, you'll quickly get discouraged and give up, and the same holds true for people who hope to pay off one large debt in just a few short months.

A better option is to set smaller goals, and do a checkup once a month, or once every few months. See how much work you've done towards your goals, and maybe you can start to lessen the budget a little. Once you see some progress, you may be ready to amend your budget and begin spending more money in certain areas.

Do plan on giving up some indulgences....do not plan on giving up everything.

Lets say that every night after work you stop by a local bakery and buy a small muffin as a treat for a job well done. This may cost you $3 each day ($15 in a work week), which will automatically cut it out of your new budget. Instead of completely eliminating your stop, consider treating yourself once a week, either after a bad day or on Friday, or switching to an inexpensive treat like a miniature candy bar. Cutting out all indulgences will make you feel discouraged and cause you to give up quickly on your budget.

Do set specific goals....do not speak in generalities.

It can be easy to say that you are going to only spend $50 a week on food, but less easy to stick with the budget. During one trip to the supermarket you may end up spending $30 on groceries, but then spend an additional $40 on eating out the rest of the week. Think about the upcoming week, and arrange your budget on that. If you know you will be eating out more than cooking at home, incorporate that into your budget for the week.

Do include entertainment expenses and luxury items...do not assume you can live without this.

When it comes to planning a budget, many people try to eliminate all forms of entertainment, thinking they can do without them. Or they read a book that tout inexpensive ways to have fun like visiting a museum or renting a movie to watch at home. This is a good way to cut back, but many people cave in after a few weeks or months.

Younger adults will quickly grow tired of watching their friends head out to the bar on the weekends, and parents will plan on sticking with a budget only to find their daughter needs a dress for the big school dance. Instead of eliminating the "fun stuff" completely, cut back. Add into your budget a night at the movies, or a dinner out with friends, but instead of doing this several times a week try once a week, or once every two weeks. That can lessen your frustration and anger over losing out on your favorite things.

Do remember to budget for necessary bills...don't skimp on important monthly items.

When planning a budget, many people tend to forget about their electric bill, or gas bill and focus on paying off their credit cards, or making a car payment. But being late just once on your mortgage can wreak havoc on your finances. The same holds true for a cable or electric bill. Those bills work to improve your credit history, but establishing a history of making payments on time. Don't skimp on the important bills.

Sticking to a budget can be as easy as creating one.

Learn more about this author, Jennifer Eblin.
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