Budgeting

[rustypjr]

What kind of budgets do yall use or systems?

And don't say Dave. nothing against Dave but never understood having to pay a but load to take part in a 50000 week class to get out of debt. His stuff is good don't get me wrong. Just wondering what everyone does?????

[edub20]

A customized form of the envelope system...

[Smoke68]

Quicken has a budget feature. We use it, and it works for us. Takes some getting used to, but it's a lot easier to keep track of and control spending.

[DanP]

[quackheadbp]

Pay your bills. Save the rest.

[RedEyed Duck]

I know you said don't do it, but you can buy Dave's book for about $20, read it and apply the principles. They work, my wife and I are living proof! You will also feel a bit stupid after reading it all, just like after going through a good defensive driving course, its all common sense. Just not something that is tought when it comes to money

[ACEINTHEHOLE]

[sevenhead]

I like ole dave and his stuff is proven. That being said his methods make it hard for a younger person of my age to even establish credit and buy a home.

It seems like if you have debt it will definitely work you out of it, but if you have no debt I feel like some of it won't work for you.

[cwink]

I use an excel spreadsheet that I modified from one of Dave Ramsey's Budget forms. I used it because it litterlly listed things that I would have forgotten with on my own..

Stuff like budgeting for hair cuts, gifts for up coming birthday parties, car tags/taxes....

Here is the budget from his site.. My modified version is much smaller and easier to do..

http://a248.e.akamai.net/f/1611/26335/9h/dramsey.download.akamai.com/23572/daveramsey.com/media/pdf/forms/fpu_monthly_cash_flow_plan_forms.pdf

[edub20]

[landscaper]

[skywalker]

I follow the Crown Financial Money Map and its principals. We also have a monthly spreadsheet to keep up with bills and expenses for tax purposes (housing allowance). I know we could do better, but it is keeping us on track so far.

[JDgator]

I withdrawal what we need for the week and pay the bills. The rest we save.

[jacksbuddy]

My only problem with Dave is that his advice can help keep you out of trouble, or help you get out of trouble if you aren't in too deep. But if you are over your head, all he has is some very nice theories.

Back on track. If you bank on-line, your bank should have some good tools to help you plan your budget and track your spending.

[Smoke68]