Starting a successful budget takes planning and dedication to managing your money. Once you know what your set expenses are and what you are spending; the rest is just in making sure you aren't going over the amounts you have set.

Make a first draft of expenses. Write down what your set expenses are and what you average in other categories. You can use this worksheets to help you to list your expenses and average spending.

Budgeting worksheet

Houseclicks budgeting sheet

Dave Ramsey's Tools

 

Now you have an idea of what your obligations are and what you estimate other spending to be. What should you be spending in each category?

Check out what The Dollar Stretcher suggests   http://www.stretcher.com/stories/10/10jan04b.cfm

 If you haven't tracked your spending to see where you are putting non set expense money, things like groceries, fuel and eating out; set yourself up to track all your spending for a month. Now you know what you are spending.

Get a new page for your budget or use a plan that allows you to put in these real figures. If you need to cut back then look for ways to lower your expenses. We can help if you need tips on spending less!

 

 

 What a ouch if the d/s said 35  percent for the morgageand wow wee the food be high maybe if the morgage can't be settled cut down on a food budget alittle and the car payments that should be paid off as soon as possible the cvar I don't have any car payments I poay it off but Im guilty of electronic stuff and fuel cost is up high should take buss and electroni stuff should be a no period on my account .. But the spread sheet thanks brandy this Im working at now fr next year at least I know what Im guilty of.

sissy:

What a ouch if the d/s said 35  percent for the morgageand wow wee the food be high maybe if

For some, meeting those percentages is hard with the rise of costs. It's why so many are realising they have to make changes in how they handle money or downsizing in houses when they can.

Setting up a budget is relatively easy; the hard part is sticking to it and having the discipline to live below or within your means. When you first set up a budget, make sure that you have the dedication to properly manage your money. List down all of your necessities and the unnecessary items or things that you usually spend on and once you know what your expenses are, you can cut down on some of the unnecessary areas so you can save some money. Then, all you need to do is to make sure that you do not go over the amounts you have set or else you will defeat the purpose. I always budget money and I always list down my expenses. However, when I just write my expenses on paper, sometimes I tend to forget, thus, I use an application for my smart phone that can automatically compute my expenses. I also regularly check my 3 credit scores on my phone, allowing me to keep track of my financial standing easier.