The “B” Word.

Before I came to work at Schiavi Home Builders, I was a stay at home mom.  This meant we had a single income to support a family of four, plus two dogs, three cats and a guinea pig.  We are also working on a major home renovation….  The household budget was a very important part of my “job.”  I think this is why I am choosing Household Budgeting as the topic for my first blog.

In the society we live in, instant gratification is not only expected, it is now the norm.  I want something now; therefore, I go buy it now.  Living on a budget is “taboo.”  This attitude not only makes debt reduction difficult, but planning for a new home impossible.  Whether you are saving for a down payment or closing costs, or just trying to decide what you can afford for a mortgage payment, a detailed household budget should be part of this process.

There are many budget programs out there.  A family could spend hundreds of dollars to get books, software, programs, going to seminars, or lectures.  It is not necessary to spend anything to create and manage your household budget.  Below are links to website that offer FREE budgeting information:

This article Budget isn’t a Bad Word explains the advantages of using a budget.

To help you get started, here is a link to a basic budget worksheet:  Budgeting Form.

And finally, here is an article that has several links in regards to cutting expenses and finding extra money in your budget: Easy Ways to Cut Expenses.