How to create a budget you can actually live with

Here are 4 easy ways to track your spending: Choose your tools. Use a budgeting app, like YNAB , a spreadsheet, the good old-fashioned envelope system, or the simple method of writing things down on paper. This will help you track your spending and find where you might be wasting money! Review income and expenses carefully. Reference account statements, bills, and pay stubs. Track the purchases you make by reviewing your monthly checking account and credit card statements. Categorize expenses and purchases. Save bills and receipts so you can review all purchases you’ve made at the end of the month. Don’t forget to include any automated payments you may rarely think about, such as subscription fees and insurance premiums. Keep a record of how much cash you withdraw and spend. Review your bank statement or online transaction history to examine your cash withdrawals. Now that you’ve tracked your spending, you’re ready to create a budget. If you keep paying attention throughout the month, you’ll do great!Here are 5 easy steps to create and stick to a budget: Tally up all income sources and total monthly expenses. Track your expenses for at least three months so you know your average spending....