Unfortunately, the word budget has gotten a bum rap, but it’s basically just a PLAN. When you budget, you're spending on paper, on purpose, before the month begins. But many people view a budget as a straight jacket that keeps them constrained. Freedom and budget just don't seem to go together.

However, when you see that a budget is just spending your money with intention, you'll actually experience more freedom than before. Many people say they've found even more money when they created a realistic budget and stuck with it.

Here's some helpful advice about budgeting:

• Give it 3-4 months to start working. It won't be perfect the first time you do it.
• Spend every dime on paper before the month begins.
• Over-fund your groceries category. Most people under-fund that category.
• Husbands (if applicable) need to loosen up and quit using the budget as a whipping tool on their wives.
• If married, spouses need to do the budget together. The preacher said, "...and you are ONE."

Budgeting Resources
We have developed these resources to help you with making a budget and sticking to it:

• Financial Peace University – Lessons taught by Dave like “Cash Flow Planning” and “Super Saving” are entertaining and motivating as you approach a budget for the first or hundredth time. Also included is a Designer Envelope System to help you organize all that cash you’ll be using instead of those credit cards.
• Instant Access Package – Electronic budgeting software helps you keep track of your entire budget in one spot, balance your checkbook, and determine how much you need to save each month for big purchases. Financial Peace University’s “Cash Flow Planning” lesson is also included as a downloadable audio piece.