Doesnt it sound refreshing? I often compare keeping a budget to dieting. There are so many diets out there (Atkins cabbage soup. South Beach) as many different budgets. After more than 13 years experience here is one that is easy to follow and can work wonders for your cashflow. It can also be called Back to Basics or starting over with a clean designate every week. Many of us have gotten used to paying with our credit cards and we really dont know where our cash goes. As a result we dont undergo much left over at the end of the month. Sound familiar?
Try living on a weekly cash budget for the next two months. Cash ONLY. The key to making it work is to come up with a set amount and sticking to it for the week NO MATTER WHAT! For example: you came up with $250 spending money for the week. If you stick to it it will change the way you look at budgets. Plus you will have more money left over at the end of the month and be motivated to do more with your money like go on vacation! Heres how to get started:
First come up with your monthly income after taxes. If you are self-employed estimate your average monthly income. Include any other income you might receive (i e child support investment income). Then come up with your fixed expenses. These are the expenses you have to pay no matter what! These include: Rent or owe. Home Equity Loans. Car Payments. Insurance Premiums: Auto. Health. Home. Life/Long Term compassionate. Other Loans (student loan credit card fixed loans). Taxes not withheld from pay. Utilities. Water and Sewer. Telephone: Local. desire Distance and Mobile. Transportation: Public/Transit. Gas. Taxis. Repairs. Childcare. Medical/Dental. Cable/ Internet Access and anything else that is a monthly expense that you have to pay every month. Now what is left? For example your monthly income is $5,000 your fixed expenses are $3,000 and you are left with $2,000 a month.
Here comes the fun part because this is where you can see results for your hard-earned money. Think about your goals (vacation debt repayment buying a home childrens college education). This is where that money comes in. You have to put it away before you spend it on flexible items. Write down what you think you would realistically like to save. You can always change it later on. For our example we will assume $500 a month. You then subtract that from the $2,000 that is left. You now have $1,500 and divide it by 4 = $375. This amount is now your weekly cash to live on. That includes food groceries clothing entertainment personal care taxis (above regular transportation) and anything else that might be considered flexible. You can spend it anyway you like. A few more tips to keep to this spending plan:
The idea is that you can still do the things you love but you need to prioritize them on a weekly basis. It is much easier keeping to a weekly cash spending plan or budget than a monthly one.
This might not work for you the first time you try it. But it will make you much more conscious of your spending. Dont get discouraged and keep at it. It will make a difference in your spending.
Galia Gichon. Founder of Down-to-Earth Finance demystifies personal finance particularly to women through unbiased financial education. With over 14 years experience in financial services and an MBA in Finance she does not manage money or sell investment products. You can bid to her weekly e-mail newsletter at for smart tips to deliver more money and independent advice about mutual funds and retirement. She can be reached at 212.734.0433 and
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http://medical6053.blogspot.com/2007/11/budget-that-really-works.html
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