Initiating A Reorder Check On Your Expense Outlays Adopting Excel

By Steve Nickle

Saving money by budgeting finances is tossed by the wayside by many. Are you looking for economic freedom? Reordering a check on all your financial considerations is a good place to start. Naturally, shopping around for the best price is smart and taking into consideration sales tax, shipping charges (if any), travel time and other unseen expenses helps.

Many use an Excel spreadsheet to check and track their expenses. On the spreadsheet form one can totally track grocery purchases, utilities, insurances, health care, dining out etc. and it helps one to stay in budget. One can even divide expenses into quarterly sections for real estate property taxes and estimated federal taxes for the self-employed. Also, yearly auto and home insurance needs to be tracked. This will help monitor and reorder your cash flow better. Then subtract your monthly net income from your month cash flow in order to check and see if there is something one can set aside for actual savings. It actually can become fun when you meet certain goals that you set.

On your worksheet include columns for credit card payments, childcare expenses, and personal expenditures. Don't forget to record going to the barber and/or hair salon, clothing, laundry and dry cleaning, charitable contributions and other reoccurring and one-time expenses. Check commuting and transportation upkeep expenses.

Spreadsheets give a complete picture of our financial condition. This snapshot allows us to plan and budget our purchases better. If a desire for some frill purchase comes along and it doesn't check out budget-wise, the only answer is no.

Getting rid of car payments helps the budget. Buying bargains and on sale items is a big help. If necessary it might help downsizing and moving to a more rural setting. Cutting back on vacations and personal "toys" now can provide for better days tomorrow. Much can be said about having a low overhead.

When one looks at possible financial scenarios for tomorrow, they start by planning and budgeting. There are tradeoffs that will get you where you want to go if you are willing to make the sacrifices.

By avoiding squandering your cash flow on lavish toys, expensive vacations and high priced autos, a budget puts things into tighter focus. It helps you check and get on top of your finances. So save your receipts and start budgeting!

Budgeting is the fastest way to arrive at the financial state that you plan for. Excel spreadsheets map out the details so you feel that you have control over the wheel. Planning for the future and seeing your plans unfold because you steered them that way will reward the prudent. A goal without a plan is just a wish.

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