No time like the present to learn how to budget for 2020
The ball drops. The lights flash. The fireworks explode. “Auld Lang Syne” plays. When all those things happen at once, it can only mean one thing: a new year!
We all love a good New Year’s celebration, but with it comes the reminder of goals, responsibilities and resolutions for the upcoming year. And if you’re like most people, somewhere in the middle of all your resolutions is money — as in, the desire to manage it better.
If any of your resolutions for 2020 involve money, then your success will start with a budget. I know, the dreaded “B” word. Sure, creating a budget doesn’t really sound like much fun. But doesn’t it sound better than feeling stressed because you’re living paycheck to paycheck? How much better would it be to know that all your bills are paid, and you’re working toward becoming debt-free or saving to pay cash for your summer vacation? That’s what you can do when you make a plan for your money!
You’ll give up on your resolution much more quickly without a plan. How do you start? First, figure out how much money you have to work with for the upcoming month — before the beginning of each month. This includes your income, your spouse’s income and any extra income you may have.
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