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."
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
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."
-
What You Learn Becoming Your Mother's Financial CaregiverWriter and certified financial planner Beth Pinsker talks to Kiplinger about caring for her mother and her new book.
-
I want to help pay for my grandkids' college. Should I make a lump-sum 529 plan contribution or spread funds out evenly through the years?We asked a college savings professional and a financial planning expert for their advice.
-
I'm a Government Employee and Need to Get By Until the Shutdown Ends. What Can I Do?The second-longest shutdown in history is leaving many federal workers with bills due and no paycheck to cover them. Here's what you can do to get by.
-
What Does Medicare Not Cover? Eight Things You Should KnowMedicare Part A and Part B leave gaps in your healthcare coverage. But Medicare Advantage has problems, too.
-
Five Ways to Save on Vacation Rental PropertiesTravel Use these strategies to pay less for an apartment, condo or house when you travel.
-
How to Avoid Annoying Hotel Fees: Per Person, Parking and MoreTravel Here's how to avoid extra charges and make sure you don't get stuck paying for amenities that you don't use.
-
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.
-
'Food Tax': Which States Still Tax Groceries in 2025?State Tax Ten states still tax groceries, but that figure is shrinking.
-
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.
-
Gas Prices Around the WorldBudgeting Many world gas prices can make what Americans pay at the pump seem like a bargain. But not all.
