If you are serious about making changes and becoming debt free, the first thing you need to do is make a budget. This is very important to help you look at all of your finances and expenses, and it will help you to stay on track. Making the choice to actually live free of any debt requires you to be very focused and careful when it comes to your spending habits.
If a budget feels like a restriction, just think of it as a guide to help you. It really is just a simple list of what you plan to do with your money over the next month. This will make it very easy for you to look at your monthly income, your bills due and any extra expenses. Now is the time you could decide if you really need to eat out so often or pay to get your car washed.
Making the decision to create (and stick to) a budget, is the first step in taking control over your finances. You are on your way to pulling yourself out of debt and living in a world that has a lot less stress.
This doesn't mean all of the "nice" things and fun times are over. It is just about adjusting your lifestyle to your income, getting out of debt and finding a balance.
This is a very positive step, because a budget will give you a sense of control over your finances. By tracking what you are spending each month and really looking at where it is going, it is easy to spot where it is being wasted.
Now is the time to truly analyze what you want vs. what you need. Now is the time to figure out how to save money each month and focus on paying more towards your debts. Eventually you will be on your way toward saving!
A budget might help you really evaluate where your money is going every month. The $3 you might spend on espresso actually adds up. Eating out multiple times a week, compared to cooking at home can really be costing you more than you realize. Don't forget to add in all of your extra expenses from shopping to nights on the town. The budget can be a real wake up call.
That's a good thing. If you start to put into perspective where your money is going, you might actually take steps to improve on your spending. It will be hard at first to really think about living debt free. This is a process that takes some time. It will require some sacrifices on your end, but they will be worth it.
Once you set the budget in place you will be able to figure out where your money is going and why you have a specific amount left at the end of the month.
Now consider this: When you're not following a specific budget, you tend to not know where all your money is going, and why you have so little money left over at the end of the month.
A budget is only the beginning to getting yourself out of debt. You have to start somewhere and this will help you to at least get your mind in order.
The next step is deciding if you are interested in debt consolidation or debt settlement. Whatever you choose, just think about getting yourself out of debt and focus on a positive financial future!
