How to Budget... Summary

1. Talk to your better half, AGREE to control spending. PUT IT ON PAPER AND TAPE IT TO THE WALL! Shake hands. (It's a powerful gesture.)

2. Track all expenses with the Free Budget Tracker Spreadsheet . (When it opens, click File, Download As, and choose the format you prefer.)

3. Go to the budget calculator tool and get a reality check on your spending: Spending Plan Online Calculator.

4. Decide what you WANT and what you NEED. Cut out the wants, and trim down the needs. See my cut list below:


5. Shred the credit cards even before you pay them off. They are an evil crutch. Pay them off, CLOSE THE ACCOUNTS.

6. Allow one extra expense - Dave Ramsey's book featured to the right of this post. It will save your financial life.