Two

Guideline 2: Remove Little Wasters of Your Money [|http://images.google.com] Keep track of what you spent over a month's time - You will be surprised at how many times money is wasted.

Starting a Budget 1. See where your money is going 2. List your usual sources and amount of income for each month Once you have an idea of your expenses and income, then you can plan. Does your income match your expenses? You may need to put some limits on your spending.

**Larry Burkett's Suggested Budget** == == //After Taxes and Tithe// Keep in mind these percentages may not match the cost of living in your area but it gives you a place to start. 38% - Housing (rent/mortgage,utilities,phone,household needs) 12% - Food 15% - Cars (maintenance, payments) 5% - Debts 5% - Insurance (Life and Homeowner's) 5% - Medical/Dental (Bills and Insurance) 5% - Entertainment (Includes Cable TV) 5% - Clothing 5% - Savings 5% - Miscellaneous

Debt Reduction Debt is usually one of the main obstacles to balancing a budget. Car payment, mortgage payment, and credit card payments take a good share of the average household income. 1. Learn to live within the boundaries of your income. - Use credit cards only for true emergencies. 2. Rethink your debts - Do you have a car payment that is more than you can afford? Maybe you need a less expensive car. 3. Make a plan to repay your debts. 4. Get rid of high interest cards - Keep one multi-purpose card with no annual fee 5. Consolidate your bills to the lowest interest rate available. 6. Faithfully pay as much as you can each month 7. If you are in over your head, turn to a professional for help.

Do you have a hard time controlling your spending? Try leaving the credit cards and checkbook at home, put budgeted cash into envelopes.

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