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How can you find extra money in your budget by reducing your spending?
Spending $4 on coffee may not seem like much. If you do it several times a week it can cost you.
See how much you can save by reducing your spending just a little each week.
Track Your Spending
Write It Down
The first step in successful money management is to assess where you are now. Read More
Understand Your Bills & Debt
Set aside time at home to record all of your expenses, bills, and loan payments for the month. Read More
The first step in successful money management is to assess where you are now.
“Keeping track of spending helped me keep closer tabs on my budget”
Set a Goal
Goal Setting
Setting goals is a way to plan for the future. Read More
It’s All About Choices
Getting your financial life in order involves a lot of choices. Read More
Understand Your Needs Vs Wants
Understanding the difference between needs and wants is another key to successful money management.Read More
Setting goals helps you focus on what is important to you, what you value in your life. This helps you stay on track with your money.
“My budget shows me where my money is going.”
Make a Plan
Build Your Budget
After you have spent time tracking expenses, thinking about needs and wants, and setting some financial goals, it is time to create a budget. Read More
Understanding Expenses
Understanding different types of expenses will help you build your budget. Read More
Expected & Unexpected Expenses
Many times people find themselves in financial trouble because they did not plan for emergencies. Read More
Get Started On Your Plan
Now that your budget is complete, create a calendar showing each bill or expense, the date due, and the payment due. Read More
Earn More
You may find that in order to balance your budget, you want to increase your income. Read More
Spend Less
Try Not to Add More Debt! Read More
For most people it takes three or four months to feel comfortable living on a budget. Remember there is no single budget formula that works for every person or family. The secret to successful budgeting is to find tools that work for you.
“I took a class on finances through New Ventures Maine, and that is where I found out about the CASH tax program. I love this program! Thank you to everyone!”
RESOURCES
Links for Budgeting at Different Life Stages
Budgeting Apps
FAQS
Q. How do I balance a checkbook?
Check out this link for some help with your checkbook!
Q. Do I need to balance my checkbook now that I have a budget?
There are many different methods to track your spending. If you prefer using your budget worksheet over a checkbook or calendar that’s fine. The most important thing is to keep track of where you money is going.
Ready for the next step? Let’s work on Reducing your Debt ›