This week for Finding Freedom Friday we will be going over the oh so dreaded topic of budgets! You knew it was coming, though, right?!
Back in January I challenged you to make a cash flow plan and make it work for you. Part of that is re-evaluating and seeing how it is working and if anything needs to be tweaked. If you haven’t yet made your cash flow plan, what are you waiting for?! Now is the time. Get control of 2009. Check out these posts to help you get started (here and here).
For Finding Freedom Friday I would love to hear:
- How have you been doing on your cash flow plan?
- Still keeping your bottom line at zero have you been able to “find” any money?
- Have you been able to cut any categories or shave off in certain areas?
- Why have you been able to do this?
- Since you have ben on a cash flow plan/budget, have you noticed any positive changes? Negative?
- Do you feel more in control now?
- What are your tips to making a budget and sticking to it?
Come back on Friday with the link to your post and post it with Mr. Linky.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
I just started creating a budget about 2 weeks ago. We were totally out of control!
1. I downloaded my bank transactions into an excel spreadsheet.
2. I made a check register and saved it in Google Docs
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/TC010186511033.aspx?pid=CT101441121033
I balance to the penny. I have found a few discrepancies; not with the bank but with my husband. My husband has been going to places that charge $1 to use his debit card. My husband using a non ATM bank to withdraw money.
I have decided that I will bring lunch to work to save money.
I am in the midst of looking over all my bills such as cell phone, cable to see where I can cut costs.
I use a budgeting website.. http://www.yodlee.com is a great website which is much like mint.com but Yodlee also has a calendar that tracks when bills are due. I also keep excel spreadsheets.
I keep an accordion folder with all bills due. I am contenplating going “paperless” and print my and view my bills online.
My husband and I go over all bills (he is the CEO of the family, I am the CFO). We talk about the financial goals ahead.
I do feel much more in control. Now I have to learn couponing and save even more $$$!
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