How can I create a strict budget?

Question

I'm having a hard time trying to save money...I was recently laid off...and I do not have money to be buying software programs...I would like to know how to budget on my own

Answer 1

well you not giving to much info what software are you buying and why just buy items that you need go to bbb.com has strict budgets to go buy in check list form

Answer 2

You simply need to list your expenses (bills: gas, electricity, heating, internet, phone service, traveling, food,) versus your income. From there you can see exactly how much money you'll need to pay your bills. You'll need to make sure to give yourself headroom on the expenses side rather than on the income side as electricity, gas/travel, and heating bills fluctuate constantly.

Once you have given yourself a budget for bills, you should look at your remainders. The disposable income. First you need to see what things you want to expand whatever your trying to expand. Your savings? Money to invest with? Money to go to further education? Money to open your own business? Retirement fund? From here you should evaluate how often you go out and how expensive the places you go are? How far is it to get them (gas/travel)? Do you have a gift giving holiday coming up? These are all things to take under consideration.

But always, the bills for things you need have to come first.

Answer 3

Go the library, see if they have Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey.

Get a spiral notebook.  Write down everything you spend starting today.  Try to figure out what you spent all your money on for the last 3 months.  Make a list of all bills.