Back To Basics, Financially Speaking

Budgeting, according to Harris Interactive, is an activity that 57% of households do not engage in.  Yet, it is one of the most fundamental and useful personal finance tools available to you.  If you don’t have a plan and set goals, chances are you won’t achieve the financial success you strive for.

The "Golden Rule" of budgeting:  spend less than you earn.  A good budget can help keep you on track in following that rule.  You already know what you earn.  Figure out how you are currently spending your money and think of ways to cut spending and increase savings.

There are lots of free tools available to help you create a budget.  My credit union offers two – MoneyDesktop and BudgetSmart, and both are free.  A quick Google search can yield more options as well.

Getting back to basics by creating a budget is one of the best steps you can take in securing your financial future.