One of the top financial resolutions is creating a budget, as I recently wrote. However, most of us have trouble sticking to our resolutions. But budgeting is one resolution you should put extra effort to commit to because it is the cornerstone of good money management. Without a budget, you'll likely have a hard time reducing your spending, paying off debt and saving more. So to help you, I've rounded up budgeting advice from several personal finance bloggers.
The 25% Rule to Budgeting [Mint Life]
"Start by dividing your before-tax income into four equal parts and grouping the daunting list of expenses your paycheck needs to cover into four categories: taxes, housing (rent and/or mortgage), debts (excluding mortgage payments) and living expenses."
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How to Closely Examine Your Budget [ReadyForZero]
"Once I learned how to closely examine my spending, I discovered that I could cut the things I don’t enjoy from my life, and prioritize my spending so that I can do the things I want."
5 Small Things That Are Killing Your Budget [Credit.com]
"It’s often the small daily expenses that add up to a lifetime of financial frustration."
4 Personal Answers to Common Budgeting Questions [Christian Personal Finance]
"Over the last several years, I’ve been researching various budgeting methods, talking with financial professionals about the topic, reviewing budgeting articles as a part of my work, and using trial and error to weed out the good tactics from the bad."
The Idea of Cash Flow [The Simple Dollar]
"Every monthly bill you can reduce or eliminate will improve your family’s cash flow."
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Strategies to Optimize Your Social Security BenefitsTo maximize what you can collect, it’s crucial to know when you can file, how delaying filing affects your checks and the income limit if you’re still working.
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Don’t Forget to Update Beneficiaries After a Gray DivorceSome states automatically revoke a former spouse as a beneficiary on some accounts. Waivers can be used, too. Best not to leave it up to your state, though.
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7 Things Medicare Doesn’t CoverHealthy Living on a Budget Medicare Part A and Part B leave some pretty significant gaps in your health-care coverage. But Medicare Advantage has problems, too.
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5 Ways to Save Money on Vacation Rental PropertiesTravel Use these strategies to pay less for an apartment, condo or house when you travel.
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10 Annoying Hotel Fees and How to Avoid ThemTravel Here's how to avoid extra charges and make sure you don't get stuck paying for amenities that you don't use.
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The 50-30-20 Budget Rule: A Simple Way to Save MoneySaving Using the 50-30-20 budget rule is an easy way to save. It helps you prioritize saving while paying off debt.
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How Our Family Fights InflationBudgeting Millennials typically spend more than other generations on certain expenses that have been increasing most rapidly. Here are some tips to cut your losses.
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Gas Prices Around the WorldBudgeting Many world gas prices can make what Americans pay at the pump seem like a bargain. But not all.
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What You Can Do About Medical DebtBudgeting Millions of Americans are awash in debt from medical care. If you’re one of them, we have your options, whether the bills are new or a collector is calling.
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How to Appeal an Unexpected Medical Billhealth insurance You may receive a bill because your insurance company denied a claim—but that doesn’t mean you have to pay it.
