Category — Budgets

This is part 4 in the series ‘Budgets for Dummies.’ You may want to check out part 1, part 2, and part 3 first.

So far we’ve talked about why a budget is so important, how a budget frees your spending and how to build a budget. All of these are key points to financial freedom, but this final one is the proverbial ‘final nail in the coffin.’

Think about you car. A car runs really well as long as you change the oil and keep up with the regular maintenance. But what do you think would happen if you never maintained your car? Well, at the very least, it wouldn’t last near as long as if you have taken care of it.

A budget works the same way. If you don’t regularly maintain it, it will fall apart. [Read more →]

This is part 3 of the series ‘Budgets for Dummies.’ Try starting with part 1 and part 2.

So far we’ve talked about why you need a budget and how having one gives you the freedom to spend.

Now, when I start talking about building a budget, don’t let it scare you. Building a budget is incredibly easy and, as you’ll see in part 4, maintaining it is even easier.

We can knock out budget building in 3 simple steps:

1) For the next 30 days track your expenses: I think the simplest way is to get a notebook and record every transaction you make. This includes everything from the mortgage payment to your morning cappuccinos. Every time you spend money write it down!

[Read more →]

This is part 2 of the series ‘Budgets for Dummies.’ Part 1 can be found here.

Many people feel that budgets are restricting. The truth is that they are only restricting if you are predisposed to think that they are restricting. However, if you’re willing to put your rose colored glasses down, I can show you how budgets actually free you you spend your money. It leads to better money management and less financial stress.

So how does this actually work? How does a budget allow me to spend my money more freely? Think about this, how often have you wanted to go on vacation, but felt guilty about putting it on a credit card? Ever wanted to go to that exclusive restaurant, but felt like it was to much money? How about wanting a new car? [Read more →]