Before you speak, listen. Before you write, think. Before you spend, earn. Before you invest, investigate. Before you criticize, wait. Before you pray, forgive. Before you quit, try. Before you retire, save. Before you die, give.

~William A. Ward

Monday, January 28, 2008

11 ways a budget can improve your life

1. A budget lets you control your money instead of your money controlling you. A budget is a guide that tells you whether you're going in the direction you want to be headed in financially.

2. A budget will tell you if you're living within your means. Many people don't realize they’re living far beyond their means until they're knee deep in debt.

3. A budget can help you meet your savings goals. It includes a mechanism for setting aside money for savings and investments.

4. Following a realistic budget frees up spare cash so you can use your money on the things that really matter to you instead of frittering it away on things you don't even remember buying.

5. A budget helps your entire family focus on common goals.

6. A budget helps you prepare for emergencies or large unanticipated expenses that might otherwise knock you for a loop financially.

7. A budget can improve your marriage. A good budget is not just a spending plan; it's a communication tool, which can bring the two of you closer together as you identify and work towards common goals and reduce arguments about money. That's got to be good for your sex life!

8. A budget reveals areas where you're spending too much money so you can refocus on your most important goals.

9. A budget can keep you out of debt or help you get out of debt.

10. A budget actually creates extra money for you to use on things that matter to you.

11. A budget helps you sleep better at night because you don't lie awake worrying about how you're going to make ends meet.

No comments: