Living Within Your Means

 

There is nothing wrong with wanting the finer things in life, but if you have to break your back to keep up with the Joneses then it’s not worth it. In today’s economy, we need to budget our money even more than before. A simple way to start your budget is to add up all your expenses (Bills, food, gas, children expenses) then reference back to your monthly income, the difference between the two is your extra money. I suggest saving a portion, and then using the rest for things you want. Even with your extra money there’s always opportunity to save or get more for your money, by using coupons or shopping during store sales. If you subtract your expenses from your income and come out negative then it’s time to think about necessity and amenity. By necessity I mean things like rent and gas & electric bill. By amenity I mean things such as internet and cable bills. If your bills are more than your income then you should seriously think about getting rid of some of your amenities until you can afford them. It may seem extreme to not have internet or cable, but look at it this way… Would you rather have internet or debt? I’m not saying you can’t buy the things you want; I’m saying you should save up for it instead of buying it when you know your rent is due. So STARLETS before you kick out the money think about if it’s for something you need or want…

“Never spend your money before you have earned it.”

Below are links to a printable budgeting worksheet and sites that have printable coupons, online discounts for stores you may shop at.

Budget Worksheet
Groupon
Retail Me Not
Living Social