Question by Rayza : Best websites for establishing a Family Budget?
I need to get my family on a budget. I’m Bad with money and am willing to learn how to get better- but I need a starting point.
Any suggestions?Establishing a Family Budget?
Best answer for establishing a family budget
:
Answer by oracleofohio
The best thing you can do is to keep track of what you’re spending now for a certain time period. Save every receipt (cash and otherwise) for 2 weeks or a month. Make a list and determine where your money is going now. I separate mine into categories like bills, groceries, gas,savings, clothing, car maintenance, personal maintenance, children’s activities, entertainment…etc. After you look at the numbers, compare it to your income. Do you have money left over? If so, start an emergency fund. You should have at least 6 months of expenses saved. Are you spending more than you make? Then it’s time to cut back and figure out how to save and get out of debt. Set a budget and then, the hardest part…..stick to it! lol
Hope that helps, good luck 🙂
Add your own answer in the comments!
I agree that you should write down every penny spent for one month. After that you will have solid numbers to put into this calculator. Keep in mind that the first thing you should do with “extra” funds is establish an emergency fund, because budgets are only for “known expenses”.
Other good points!
http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/money101/lesson2/index.htm
Budgeting Advice
http://www.creditinfocenter.com/budgeting/
Free Budgeting Software
http://zenhabits.net/2007/05/6-great-free-alternatives-to-quicken-ms-money/
My easy budget.
Save 25% of all take home pay.
Use that money only for cars and future college.
(cars to be paid for in cash).