Budgeting: Easier Said Than Done

We've all heard the old adage, "Budgets look great on paper" and most of us realize how true those words are. If you've ever tried to set up a budget you know just how hard this task can be.

You want to get out of debt but what do you pay off first?

You want to save, but how when every penny is gone before you earn it?

You want to have a little money to enjoy but there's always more month than money!

Yes, budgeting may be easier said than done but with these five simple steps, you can divide and conquer debt, begin saving and have a little money left over to enjoy. It takes discipline mind you, and may seem like you're crawling toward financial stability but trust me; the end result is well worth the effort!

Step One: Sit down and list your expenses - not just the bills (house, car, utilities, etc) but everything! There are free worksheets from some of America's leading financial experts to help you sort out your monthly habits, so don't let this step overwhelm you. Take your time and be thorough then pick one bill and pay on it faithfully until it is gone then move on to the next.

Step Two-Save: Start small. Figure where you can cut a few pennies or a couple of dollars each pay day and put that in a savings account! Don't have enough to open an account? Place the money in an envelope and hide it or subtract from your checking account balance as "savings" and do your best to forget that money is there. In your mind you should say, "this is for an emergency it is untouchable."

Step Three: Give some away. You heard me correctly... give your money away. The Bible teaches that tithing will break the curse off of your finances (see Malachi 3: 8-11). Can't afford a full ten-percent? Start at the level of your faith and make a commitment to increase as you are increased and remember, God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7) so determine to give and be happy and grateful that you have something to give - no matter how small your gift may seem. Don't attend a regular church? Find a charity you trust or just look around and find someone in need. I know many will fault this advice because the Bible teaches the tithe belongs to the church - but I've seen God work in numerous lives of folks who, for some reason, do not go to a regular place of worship.

Step Four: Every unexpected blessing (tax refunds, bonuses, extra check in a five-week month) needs to be divided three ways: Giving/Saving/Bills but take a small portion and treat yourself too!

Step Five: Think Prosperity! Be diligent yes, but remember - a positive attitude will get you out of debt quicker than constantly focusing on lack so relax and enjoy the process. Celebrate each success and forgive yourself when you fail.

These steps may seem insignificant in the overall scheme of things but give it a try and you may find that budgeting is easier then you think!