We all need a budget, and if you’re ready to set one up, that’s awesome news!  You’re already taking the steps to get out of debt, or if you already are, you’re taking the steps to manage your finances the right way.

When I first started writing out my budget, it enabled me to properly manage my money, and I would know exactly when, and how much I could spend on a given week.

I have a very simple budget, but it tends to work very well.  Feel free to print out this post, as well as the budget, and fill in all of the necessary numbers.

BILLS (monthly)

Mortgage / Rent:
HOA:
Property Taxes:
Estimated Repairs:
—
Cell Phone / Phone:
Cable TV:
Internet:
—
Electric:
Gas:
Water / Sewer:
—
Health Insurance:
Doctor’s visits (copays):
—
Groceries:
Eating Out:
—
Child Support:
Alimony:
Day Care:
—
Car Payments:
Car Insurance:
Gas:
Repairs:
Other Transportation:
—
Credit Card Total Debt:
Subscriptions:
Student Loans:
Other Loans:

TOTAL (add all of above up):

GROSS INCOME (monthly)

Take home pay (after taxes):
Interest Income:
Investment Income:
Misc Income:

TOTAL INCOME (add all of above up):
SUBTRACT INCOME FROM BILLS:  LEFTOVER PAYMENT
DIVIDE ABOVE BY 4 = WEEKLY SPENDING

Now, this is a simple, yet effective budget that’s listed above.   You can really do a lot with this budget, and take it a far way.

Like myself, I tend to take things even further.  I will take the “total income” column, and divide it by 4, as I mentioned above.  This gives you a great idea on what you can spend on a weekly basis.  If you need to, consider a prepaid credit card, or use the cash envelope system, so that you don’t overspend.

Do what it takes to stick with your budget, and be sure to print up this budget for your refrigerator!