Financial Advice for the Average Family

Tips for Budgeting Your Money

By
Relationship Advice Expert April Masini

Q: Dear April Masini,

I have such a difficult time with money! As soon as I get my paycheck, I feel like it's burning a hole in my pocket and I need to get out and spend it right away. I really want to start saving my money so I can eventually buy a house. How can I make a budget and start saving instead of spending?

Sincerely,

Time to Save My Money

A:

Dear Time to Save My Money,

It can be extremely difficult to save money, especially if you don't have a good plan to do so. However, if you decide you want to save and make a solid plan to do so, you should be just fine. I have some tips for budgeting that should help give you a full bank account in no time.

Budgeting Tips:

1. Make a list of your regular income.

2. Make a list of your monthly spending.

3. Make sure your spending is less than your income. If it's not, you have to curtail your spending.

4. Stay organized. Make time each week or each month to organize your financial matters.

5. Pay your bills on time. Late fees and finance charges are a waste of money.

6. If your spending is out of hand, set limits for yourself and stick to them.

7. Be honest. When it comes to money many people deny their income and spending to themselves and their partners and families creating big budget problems!

April Masini -- nicknamed "the new millennium's Dear Abby" by the media, is author of the best-selling books Date Out Of Your League and Think & Date Like A Man, the two (just released) step-by-step dating and relationship manuals, Ideas for a Fun Date and Romantic Date Ideas, and the critically acclaimed dating and relationship online magazine www.AskApril.com.

Date Out Of Your League Think & Date Like a Man Ideas for a Fun Date Romantic Date Ideas

© 2004-2009 AskApril.com, LLC. All rights reserved. AskApril®, AskApril.com®, and Ask April® are registered trademarks owned by Masini Enterprises, Inc. This material can only be republished and redistributed if it is kept in it's original form, including, but not limited to, all AskApril branding, banners, links, books, and credits.