Taking A Budget From Bad Word To Blessing, Part II

[Jenifer Madson]

You've changed your mind about what a budget means, so you're more motivated to have one, right? Rather than completely backing away from the concept, you have learned to embrace the word's original intent, which is to plan or project how to direct your money to its greatest use. More simply, you have either changed the word, or changed your mind about the word, but are committed to having the process intended by the word.

Now that you want one, how do you create one? The easy part of starting a budget is sitting down with a budget form and filling in the blanks. The trickier part is remembering to add categories as you go that are more specific to your lifestyle, to also budget for the personal development that is critical to your well-being.

Take A Minute:
Have you made room for your personal growth in your budget categories?

Make A Minute:
Choose an area of personal fulfillment that is as big a priority in your mind as the light bill, and include the financial details of it in your budget.

You've heard the expression, "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy"? The same is true here: budgeting your balance with your other financial obligations helps you maintain your motivation for all of it.