Questions that signal you may need a Budget
Can you walk pass that sale? Do you have to be the first one to buy that new purse or outfit? By the end of the payday week are you checking pockets and the bottom of your purse for spare change? If that is you, let me just say you can take control of your spending. Are you thinking, “Oh, no, someone else is trying to give me financial advice.” ” Great!” “What I really need is help on getting started”. Well, I am hoping that you will read this and be inspired to try to do a budget. Have you asked yourself these questions more than once in a month: What happened to my paycheck? Where did all my money go? When is payday? 
Does this statement sound familiar? I’m broke!
If you have had any of these thoughts or have made these comments, you may want to think about organizing the way you spend money. Are you constantly wondering whether you can afford something, wondering when will you pay off those credit cards or just left wondering about your money? If so, you may want to lean towards writing down where your money is going.
Now before you start rolling your eyes, clicking the mouse or dozing off, think truthfully about how your money is working for you. Let’s be honest, you work hard for your money and your money should work hard for you.
Discussing Money
Talking about finances is very personal. When money matters are discussed, most people are embarrassed they haven’t done better.
A personal home budget may improve your spending habits. I say may, because you must want to use it. When someone tells me they are getting a call from creditors or their money disappears and they do not know where they spent it, I politely ask my family member, friend or co-worker if they have a budget.
I usually get a stare and then a muffled answer. I hear how they know they need one, but they just do not want to use one or it is too hard to do. Many people believe that having a budget will take all the ‘fun’ out of spending. This is not always true. Sure, you may not be able to get everything you want right now, but you can get it. A budget will open your eyes to how much you are spending and savings. I hope you are saving, too.
Here comes the Money
If there is one exciting part of having a budget that makes me happy, I mean extremely happy – it is
PAY DAY!
Yes!! I get a new set of numbers to work with and I cannot wait to get started. Being paid is a direct extension of the work that you do. It may not be the amount that you think you should be paid or the amount that you want, but it is income coming into your household. It should not be a day of dread, but a day of planning what to payoff or what to buy. Instead of dwelling on the amount, start putting it to work for you. That’s right! The newest tool in your financial tool belt is waiting for you to use it. This new tool can help you keep track of the money. What is this new tool? It’s your
Personal Budget!
But what if you still think you can get by without one, uh, recheck those questions at the top of this page.
What can you do with YOUR Budget?
When you have a budget, it doesn’t mean you can’t spend, it just means you spend with care.
Why max out that credit card or get involved with a rent to own, when setting aside a specific amount of money will get you those items that you need or want. Do you have goals, dreams or do you just want to visit a new restaurant? Make a category for it. It is just that easy.
This is a good time to talk about Instant Gratification. What is Instant Gratification? It is when you want something and you want it NOW! This is a form of emotional spending and this feeling will cause you to buy items without any reservations, until you get home. Look at your numbers before you leave the house and make sure you know how much you have to spend. Do not fall into this trap. Be strong and resist pulling out that card and swiping or making an extra trip to the ATM.
Getting Ready to Start Making a Budget
Having your expenses in their categories and knowing where your money is going, should give you a sense of accomplishment.
First, you need to know what you will need to get started and how do you make that budget thingy anyway? Here is a list of what you will need to start building that budget:
Checkbook (Electronic or paper) or notebook
Pay stub or any other income papers
Bills or other expenses (don’t forget groceries, gas and eating out)
Calculator
Pencil, pens and an eraser (I like the old way) . 
Computer or phone (if doing your budget electronically)
Coffee, soda or tea
A comfortable chair, table and location at home.
I like to work on my budget during football, basketball and baseball games. Let’s not forget about adding and subtracting during the rugby and tennis matches. Yes!
If working on your budget starts to get frustrating, it’s alright to take a break. Get up and stretch your legs, take a short nap, eat a good snack or maybe put your budget book up for the day.
If you have only gotten as far as making up your list of expenses (bills) and the amount you pay for each of them, that’s great! Making your list is an important first step.
Remember, this is a tool to help you track your money. No one is grading you on this.
The Benefits of Having a Budget
Using a budget can be one of the single most important steps to begin taking control of your finances.
Some of these reasons will sound familiar, but they are important. 
Benefits of having and using a budget, it helps you:
- Know how much money is coming into and going out of your home.
- Look at how much you spend on needs.
- Start being honest about how much you really spend on your wants.
- Start writing out your money goals.
- Look at other ways to help your money grow.
Most importantly, you start believing in yourself, your goals and your skills of handling money.