Making your Budget Work Finally

As our country sorts through the rubble from one of the most prevalent financial crisis’s
in history the “average” American is still trying to figure out how to pay their bills or in some cases “which” bills to pay this month. In this day and age EVERYONE is on a budget. In order to stick to that budget though here are a few tips:

Make it an event, include everyone in the household: Group participation is very critical
and the support that follows is what will separate you from most. Give the kids the power to find ways of saving energy and water. (Have them police lights left on, overuse of water, etc.) Make it sort of a game for younger kids, but get everyone in on it. It’s easier on everyone if it is a team effort than taking all the stress on your own.

Set goals for why you are budgeting and reward yourself or the family when each goal is accomplished. You can have weekly or even daily goals to accomplish (i.e. reducing the electric bill by 30% would be a monthly goal. Not eating out for the week, a weekly goal, etc.)

Reduce as many expenses as possible by using coupons, brown bag your lunches, shop at discount stores, on sale items, flea markets, thrift stores and the like. Also check for food bank programs






Always make a list of groceries before going shopping and stick to it. I recommend compiling your list and then searching for coupons online (a good resource: Money Advise
Also check for food bank programs (check out Angel Food Ministries to see if there is a location near you.) In addition do your regular shopping on Mondays; statistically prices are lower then.

Above all, sticking to a budget is an exercise of discipline. Keep in mind what it is that you are budgeting for, picture yourself accomplishing that goal and imagine the feeling that you will have once reached (use this mental image whenever feeling weak). Furthermore, try planning ahead now for “unexpected” payments that may be in the near future and make sure to account for those. If you are still unable to keep up then there are many reputable organizations and programs that can help get you back on track.

Jamie hribal is a senior debt counselor for my debt 101. Helping individuals and families with financial hardships or facing foreclosure which benefit from debt settlement and foreclosure rescue. For more information please visit My Debt 101

Making your Budget Work Finally / Author: Jamie Hribal