We all get caught short once in a while, but when the problem becomes chronic, it’s time to take a look at what we are spending and where we are spending it.
This is a short version of a page giving advice on budgets that we posted on our Pioneer Loan Center site.
First: Figure out your monthly income. -WRITE IT DOWN
Next: Figure out your basic monthly expenses. Rent, utilities, gas and food -WRITE THEM DOWN
Start an spending diary, save all your receipts and WRITE DOWN EVERYTHING YOU SPEND, whether it be bus fare, gum, or gasoline.
If you go to the movies, write down not only the cost of the tickets, but the popcorn and cokes, and even that box of jujubes.
The reason I keep harping on writing everything down is that once it’s in black and white you can see the difference between what you tell yourself you spend and what you really spend. –Trust me. There are very few of us who pay attention to our casual spending.
Now that you can see how much you have coming in and how much you have going out, you can begin to do something about stretching your paycheck by cutting back on your expenses.
For more details go to our web page.
Here are a suggestion not on our website:
If you smoke switch to generics (I know they suck, but they’re cheaper) and, if possible, buy your cigarettes on an Indian reservation. –Here in Las Vegas there’s one down on Main Street just north of Bonanza, down the hill on your left.
If you don’t think you can make these suggestions work, call a credit counselor.
Click here for Consumer Credit Counseling, a United Way nonprofit agency.