Page 34 - How To Set Up a Family Budget The Easy Way
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fact that they always have their actual working balance handy. Remember the comment about
having your financial information at your fingertips? Here is a sure-fire way to get you on that
path quickly.
2. Calendar Calculations
Putting regular bills on a calendar based on due dates and when salaries are received proves
helpful to some. This helps specifically to get everything paid on time and keep in perspective
where the money actually goes, since all miscellaneous expenses are also recorded.
Getting bills paid
Working out all the major and large bills (i.e., rent, car payment, insurance, etc.), dividing it up
so every week, that amount is removed from the family ‘paycheck’. Therefore, at the end of the
month, there is need or risk to lose an entire paycheck to rent or car registration.
4. 1-2-3-4 Plan
Divide all bills weekly. A set amount goes to a savings account each week. When there is a 5th
Friday in a month, you have a "free paycheck" to save.
5. Open a household account
In a second checking account, deposit a sum that covers your monthly expenses. Have all of your
bills automatically withdrawn. This account acts as a holding cell for household obligations - the
primary account is for day-to-day operations. Works for me!
6. A timely budget
Get a notebook. List expenses and their due dates. Divide payments into small amounts & use
labeled envelopes for payments and money storage. Reduce duplicate credit usage to 1 or 2
credit cards. Use the net for bill paying and to check your accounts.
7. Yearly savings
Making a list of all annual or once-a-year type bills (car registration, shots for pets, school
pictures, etc.) and divide them by 12. Save this amount each month and, when one of these items
come up, you have the money to pay it. No more surprises.
8. Save credit card receipts
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