Title: 
Where Has That Pay Check Gone?

Word Count:
443

Summary:
I was once told “it is not how much you make it is how much you spend” this is as true today as it was 30 some years ago when I first heard it. So how does one not spend so much? Well the first thing you need to do is find out exactly were all the money is going. In order to do this take the thirty day challenge, write down every purchase from gas to a candy bar at your local convenience store be sure to include that quick drive through for a designer coffee.

Start by maki...


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Article Body:
I was once told “it is not how much you make it is how much you spend” this is as true today as it was 30 some years ago when I first heard it. So how does one not spend so much? Well the first thing you need to do is find out exactly were all the money is going. In order to do this take the thirty day challenge, write down every purchase from gas to a candy bar at your local convenience store be sure to include that quick drive through for a designer coffee.

Start by making a chart start at the top by writing your salary and any additional income that you may receive such as alimony or child support only include regular types of income. Then itemize your expenses start with reoccurring monthly charges such as electricity, heat and property taxes ect. Then itemize your other expenses like gas for your car, food and other household items.

After the first thirty days you will get a good idea on where your money is actually going, you can then evaluate each category and ask yourself do we really need this. You will be surprised at the amount of money some categories eat up. Believe it or not when most people take the 30 day challenge they actually find they spend more than they earn this type of spending can not end good.

Now you can begin to cut expenses look at each item and be proactive and see if you can reduce that expense, look at your phone bill maybe you can eliminate a home line if you all have a cell phone or maybe you can look for a cheaper cell phone plan. Shop for insurance rates at least once per year take your insurance policies and shop around. You may be able to refinance your home loan to a lower interest rate. One big thing is credit card dept anyone that carries a balance on their credit card is simply throwing away money. Use your credit cards only for a convenience do not purchase any thing with a credit card that you do not have the money for.

Reevaluate your expense every quarter look at these reviews as a chance to save money not as a chore if you look at them as a chore you will not get the full benefit. A few simple changes can easily take your budget from a deficit to a surplus. With a little practice you will find it much easier to control your spending and save for the future remember you are not the federal government you can not print the money.