Family Budget

My days are formed with checklists. Checklist for groceries, checklist for the airplane, checklist for house chores and calendar updates. So the task of the family budget must start with a list. To begin, start with a budget of $200.00 weekly. A very small amount for today's family, but you have to start somewhere and most people are frankly just overwhelmed with the idea of a Budget.

Main items to begin with on the list:
Food $30.00
Gas 20.00
Savings 10.00
Utilities 40.00
Beauty/Health 5.00
House Note/Rent 65.00
Repairs 30.00
Total $200.00

You will note, items not included are cable tv, cell phones, gym memberships, credit card payments and starbucks just to name a few. A big expense which can be dropped is health insurance. I know, listening to the media, you would believe no one could live in the USA and not have insurance. However, I can tell you differently. As tax payers we have set up county health centers all across the USA. It is not advertised. You can even check with your doctor to see what he/she would charge if you had to pay cash for your visits or medications.

Unemployment has hit many families during this time. However, do not let your shoulders droop or your hygiene suffer just because you are miserable. You are a role model for your children.

Plan your meals together, plan and plant a garden together. Instead of dinners out, plan movie night in or board games. Popcorn is a good snack! Visit with neighbors, plan a potluck dinner. Everyone brings a dish and a resume.

Get involved with community activities. Do some charity work, help at church. I have helped clean the church pews and placed sharpened pencils, just so the church would not have to pay someone to do these tasks.

The checklist will become a very handy tool. Pratice and you will be surprise how you really can control your costs and main your family budget.