The Truth About Budgeting

Myth: I don't have time to work on a budget.
Truth: You don't have time not to make a budget!

The dreaded "B" word. Budget. The only other word that starts with "B" that might generate a worse reaction in most people is the word bankruptcy.

Unfortunately, the word budget has gotten a bum rap – it is basically just a PLAN. When you budget, you're spending on paper, on purpose, before the month begins. But many people view a budget as a straight jacket that keeps them constrained. Freedom and budget just don't seem to go together.

However, when you see that a budget is just spending your money with intention, you'll actually experience more freedom than before. Many people say they've found even more money when they created a realistic budget and stuck with it.

Here are some pointers:

• Give it three to four months to start working. It won't be perfect the first time you do it.
• Spend every dime on paper before the month begins.
• Over-fund your groceries category. Most people underfund that category.
• Husbands (if applicable) need to loosen up and quit using the budget as a whipping tool on their wives.
• If married, spouses need to do the budget together. The preacher said "... and you are ONE."

When you are spending your money on purpose, you will be on your way to a Total Money Makeover. You will be on the road to changing your family tree forever!