Comfortable Budgeting

Money management begins by setting specific goals. By doing this you gain control of your finances and by sticking to a budget that reflects your goals, you can save money.

We have come up with tips and strategies to help you on your way to a comfortable budget.

Getting Organized

• Start simply by listing your monthly expenses: begin with your fixed expenses like rent/mortgage and utilities, then list expenses that are more flexible like food, transportation and entertainment
• Track what you spend for 30 days, and keep receipts and a list of what you spend and where
• Make notes about bills (fixed expenses) you have paid and when
• After 30 days, take a look at where your money goes…
• Are there ways to adjust your budget?
• Was there anything that surprised you?
• Were you spending more or less than you thought you were?

After these considerations, make adjustments to your budget that suit your needs. Create a filing system that allows you to continue to track your fixed and flexible expenses easily: a simple shoe box will do!