How to Make a Budget Work in a Difficult Economy

Times are tough....too many people unemployed and making a lot less money than they used to make. It is a scary proposition to think about how to make ends meet.What can you do ??

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• pad and paper
• a sense of accountability
• discipline..discipline..
• discipline!!!!

1. Sit down and write down all of your bills. Then look at ways to cut costs on all of those bills if possible. Call your power company and ask for advice on how to make your home more energy efficient. Cut your cable and phone bills down by cutting out everything but basic cable and get down to a base plan for your phone services as well. Talk to your credit card companies and see what they can do to help . These are good starting points.

2. Call your bank or mortgage company and see if there is anything they can do to help you. Many people are refinancing now since the rates are at historic lows.Alter your insurance coverages...move the decuctibles up to save on premiums. Write down EVERY PENNY YOU SPEND...every day.You will discover things you really don't need to spend on.Use coupons for everything..they save $$$$

3. Working with a strict budget is like being on a diet..it will only work if you stick to it..DISCIPLINE is critical in order to survive this mess we are all in.Remain positive at all times and you will find that you can even save a few dollars a week for the future. Pay close attention to everything ...and good luck!!!

Tips & Warnings

• write down everything you owe for monhtly bills
• talk to your power, cable, phone and mortgage companies as a starting point for ideas to save
• use coupons
• remain focused......remember the key word...DISCIPLINE!!!!!
• this will entail bahavioural and attitude changes...buy only what you need to get by week to week..