How to make a budget: do you spend your money wisely?Most likely, you aren't aren't Contraction of are not. See Usage Note at ain't. aren't are not aren't be the family breadwinner bread·win·ner n. One whose earnings are the primary source of support for one's dependents. bread·win  ning n. . But doing an
odd job or two or earning a weekly allowance would put some cash in your
pocket. For kids and grown-ups alike, money is easy to spend. If you
aren't careful, it can slip right through your fingers.Being responsible with your money is an important skill to learn--and the sooner you start, the better. Whether you are tracking your spending or saving for something special, creating a budget can help you deal with your expenses and plan for the future. All you need are paper and a pencil--and some self-control self-control n. Control of one's emotions, desires, or actions by one's own will. . Getting Started First, take a look at our sample monthly budget. Then, use the blank chart (or a separate sheet of paper) to plan your own. In the first two columns, list your sources of income and how much you expect to earn from them. (We included earnings from allowance and a variety of odd jobs odd jobs npl → chapuzas fpl odd jobs npl → petits travaux divers odd jobs odd npl → .) In the third and fourth columns, list what you expect to spend your money on and the cost of each item. Can you afford everything you need or want? The left-hand left-hand adj. 1. Of, relating to, or located on the left. 2. Relating to, designed for, or done with the left hand. left-hand Adjective 1. total should be more than or equal to the right-hand right-hand adj. 1. Of, relating to, or located on the right. 2. Relating to, designed for, or done with the right hand. 3. Most helpful or reliable: my right-hand assistant. total. If it is, you have an effective budget. Budgets are not complicated, but sticking to them can be tough. When planning your budget, be realistic about your expenses. If you know that you drop $18 at a movie, don't don't 1. Contraction of do not. 2. Nonstandard Contraction of does not. n. A statement of what should not be done: a list of the dos and don'ts. write $12 in that space. This may sound obvious, but people often mismanage mis·man·age tr.v. mis·man·aged, mis·man·ag·ing, mis·man·ag·es To manage badly or carelessly. mis·man age·ment n. their funds because they
wish they were spending less. Being honest about your habits is the best
way to keep control of your expenses.If you are eyeing a big purchase, such as a $150 skateboard, spend less and save more until you have the total amount. No matter how tempting it may be, avoid spending your savings. One day, you will thank yourself! Your Turn THINK ABOUT IT 1. What is the largest expense in your budget? Is there a way you could spend less each month? 2. What are some of the advantages of keeping a budget? MONTHLY AMOUNT INCOME Allowance $20.00 Money earned $25.00 doing chores Money earned $12.50 baby-sitting Money earned $30.00 mowing neighbor's lawn Total: $87.50 MONTHLY AMOUNT EXPENSES Snacks $26.00 Music $12.00 downloads Movie and $18.00 popcorn Donation to $10.00 charity Total: $66.00 MONTHLY BUDGET Monthly Income Amount -- $ -- -- $ -- -- $ -- -- $ -- Total: $ -- Monthly Expenses Amount -- $ -- -- $ -- -- $ -- -- $ -- Total: $ -- |
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