Making a Budget

Has it ever seemed like your money is spent quicker some months more than others? To help keep a steady spending habit, consider creating a budget!

A budget worksheet is a great way to get your budget started and keep things on track - you can learn to do it in your own time and do not need to worry about hiring someone to help you out with your money.

Here are a few ideas to get started:

1. Create your budget

Use this worksheet to see how much money you spend this month and also begin planning for next month.

2. Make a long-term goal and make it stick!

Your long-term goal will depend on how and what you choose to spend your money on. Whether you need to start saving for a new car, home, college, or an upcoming vacation - this is a great way to keep on track to meeting your saving goals.

3. Look back and examine how much you previously spent each month and identify your biggest splurges

Make it a habit to look back at your transactions and understand your spending habits. Consider color coding transactions to identify how much is going in to what.

4. Consider cutting back on the little things

Do you buy coffee and/or lunch everyday? Making coffee and packing lunch from home can really make a difference in the long-run and help you save money. An occasional small treat is OK, but doing it everyday can begin to add up quickly!

5. Consider cutting back on name brands - in most cases, store brands taste just as good

Name brand products can easily become your preference, especially if it's what you're used to - but consider cutting down some to the generic store brands. Even if you switch over just a few items to begin with, the money you will save can really begin to add up.