MAKING IT EASY: 65 BUDGET CATEGORIES

Well, we are a little under one week before we need to make our monthly budget for the month of March. One of my goals for this site is to make the frustration and science of budgeting transparent. Organization is key to many things, especially our finances. The greatest reward of having a budget is the amount of money you discover you actually have. The feel of getting a raise is mentioned frequently within much of my reading and listening material surrounding budgeting. I don't know about you, but a raise for me would be counted as a blessing right now.

Although that raise sounds enticing, the budgeting issue still exists. It's like every month is a rodeo; we're riding a galloping horse with a lasso chasing our dollars as they run away. Don't let that be your situation. Get those dollars in order and contained. People usually blame the lack of financial control to the fact that it's a difficult process or they need more money. This lack of success with money organization is not an income issue, it is a behavior issue. More money won't help you gain that control, it will surely multiply the issue.

One of the hardest things people encounter during budgeting time is what budget categories to select. There are so many expenses that we encounter on a monthly basis. Do you REALLY know how much you have at the end of the month after monthly expenses? Do you really know how much you spend on eating out and coffee every month? A budget helps with this. A budget isn't a restriction, it's freedom! It shows you exactly what you can AFFORD to spend. No one wants to have more month at the end of their money, so let's get this income whipped into shape.

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Let's get this month started right. Here are some budget categories that you can use. They are only recommendations, not required:

65 Budget Categories

• GIVING

• Tithe

• Charity

• AUTOMOBILE

• Fuel

• Oil Change

• Consider creating a repair fund

• Car Wash

• Tires

• Parking Fees

• Car Replacement (if needed)

• FOOD

• Groceries

• Restaurants

• Some people need a designated Starbucks category

• HOUSING

• Rent

• Yard Maintenance

• HOA

• Property Taxes

• Home Supplies (tissue, paper towels, soap, dish detergent, etc.)

• UTILITIES

• Electricity

• Water

• Gas

• Trash

• Phone

• Cable Internet

• INSURANCE

• Life Insurance

• Renter's Insurance

• Short-term/Long-term Disability

• Car Insurance

• Health/Dental Insurance

• CLOTHING

• PERSONAL CARE

• Haircut

• Hair Salon

• Nail Salon

• Spa

• Tanning

• OTHER

• Babysitter

• Alimony

• Child Support

• GIFTS

• Birthday

• Wedding

• Engagement

• Baby Shower

• Bridal Shower

• Holidays (Christmas fund should start 3-6 months from gift purchasing season)

• MEDICAL

• Medications

• Medical Payments

• Adult Care

• Medical Devices

• Health Savings Account Contributions

• DEBT

• ​Credit Cards

• Personal Loans

• Student Loans

• Mortgage

• Car Payment

• SAVINGS

• ​Emergency Fund

• Money Market

• EDUCATION

• Tuition

• School Supplies

• Books

• Conferences

• Organization Fees

• FUN MONEY

• Entertainment

• Bar Tab

• Travel

• Movies

LET'S CATCH THIS MONEY!!

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LUKE 6:10

The one faithful in very little is also faithful in much, and the one unrighteous in very little is also unrighteous in much.

PROVERBS 27:23

Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds