I make good money but feel like I'm throwing most of it away and I don't even know where it goes! I'm not even sure how to do a budget. What are some tips that have worked for you as far as making a budget and sticking to it? Thanks!
2007-01-26 04:31:42 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Personal Finance
Well you are not alone, it is estimated that most people spend 10% more than they earn, and as you stated in your question we are probably throwing money away,it is because we use our credit cards for every thing so we don't notice how much we spend .
I my self prefer to have the help of professional on this for a low fee like US$15 or 20 when they actually save me hundreds.
you can read more about budgeting at the link in the source below ,they even offer you a month of free trial so you can see how much they can save you.
2007-01-26 07:58:22 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Write down what you spend your money on, every single thing, on a sheet of paper or you could type it. I could do it if you'd like if you're confused, if you like. Things you spend your money on, in your eyes is something you need, but in someone elses its something you don't need!
If you buy energy drinks/coffee every week, stop that to save money. If you rent movies weekly, then cut back or stop completely for a few weeks. If you're saving for a vacation/car etc, then their are some banks that help you save money. They give you a credit card, and evertime you use it, they put your left over change into a saving account, and intime you'll of saved a couple 100$ without knowing it, even more.
Stop or cut back on junk foods when buying grocceries. Such as sweets: Candy, Ice Cream, etc, and chips to if you wan't chip I suggest getting store brand chips, you'll save a dollar or so, or if you really wan't to cut back, just buy store brand items, you'll save quickly if you continue doing that, and if you cut back on junk foods to.
Sorry, if this didn't help you at all. If it didn't try this out, it's a budgeting tool.
http://www.thebeehive.org
2007-01-26 04:48:27 · answer #2 · answered by D.O... 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
use a notebook or excel to keep track all purchases, record it everyday if you can, by the end of the month, sum up all necessary expenses such as rent/mortgage, insurance, util., food(just grocery, not dinning out), gas for car, etc. Highlight items that you spent for pleaure, these are the items you want to avoid next month.
Next, subtract the necessary total expenses from your monthly income. This is the amount you suppose to have left.
Now, calculate 80% of what you support to have left. Deposit that amount every time you get pay. if you get pay every other week, half that amount. This amount shouldn't be less than 15% of your entire pay check. If it is less, you need to deposit more.
Lastly, the last 20% is what you can spent for pleasure.
2007-01-26 06:50:07 · answer #3 · answered by jean 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to http://www.kiplinger.com ,click on the video button near the top, click Janet Bodnar, then watch the video named "Why Budgeting Makes Sense." It's a good short video that helps you learn to budget effectively.
Basically to budget you need to record ALL income and expenses. If you have Excel, it's easy to plug in the numbers.
2007-01-26 04:51:07 · answer #4 · answered by zander1331 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have an Excel worksheet I've been using for 10 years. Email me your addy and I'll send it to you!
You can use it to track your expenses and really see where your money is going!
2007-01-29 06:04:39 · answer #5 · answered by boo's mom 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Review every bill that you pay monthly. Shop rates with other companies. Phone, internet, insurance and even where you buy your pizza.
Here are some financial guides: http://www.findlocalinsurance.com/library.html
2007-01-26 05:20:02 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋