Finances start with a budget

All finances should start with a budget, so I will tell you the basics of making a realistic budget you can stick to. It takes time, but you will be amazed at how much of your money is being thrown away. The hard part comes first. FOr one full month you need to only buy what you NEED. If it is not necessary to buy for survival, recurring bills, or necessary for a job then you do not get it. Keep track of your money during this month by getting a receipt for every transaction and that means even if it is just a few cents. By the end of the month you have accomplished two important things; 1. You know how much money you need to survive. 2. You know where to budget your money.

After the first month you can sit down and write down a realistic budget. Remember to add in a form of entertainment, but keep it within reason. A few things you should really budget for is savings and college for your children. If all goes well you will have expenses paid, savings set, and have some extra money. If not then check back for my posts on working from home.

The most important part of a budget is following it. Be strong ladies, and make sure your husband sticks to it. Just having a budget on the table will help you control the expenses. Give it a try ladies, and enjoy the reward of spending your money in the places that actually mean something to you.