There is hope. This book outlines, step by step what I did the GET BETTER! It will be available in the fall of 2002. Just click on the picture.
This site is a ministry and was last updated September 3, 2002.
It's a matter of dollars and cents!
If you are like me, you have Bipolar Disorder, or you know someone who is. I have had too much trouble managing money. But, I am nearly out of debt. I thought I would share with you what I have done.
My budget had to be easy, and it had to be logical. I also needed to keep everything in one place. My bills were scattered all over the house, and I had no idea where they were.
I found that I had to be very careful of credit cards and checking accounts. I ended up in jail because I bounced two checks and couldn't pay for them.
You will need:
Shoe box or large bag or envelope
10 to 15 3 5/8 in. X 6 1/2 in. envelopes or long ones if you prefer
One piece of lined paper
One writing pen, and a narrow tip marker
On your paper, make a line down the page two inches from the long left side, make another line one inch from that, then two more, each one inch apart, write down every bill you have, write the amount next to it. Here is a suggested order
Rent/Mortgage
Utilities/Gas/Electric
Telephone
Car/truck payment(s)
Insurance/vehicles/house/life
Credit cards/Loans - all of them
Internet Access bill
Food
Gas/upkeep vehicles
Entertainment
Miscellaneous
Once you have written your bills down, and their amounts in the next column, write your paychechs above the next two columns, for instance if your paydays fall on the 1st, and the 15th, you would write that in.
Next divide up your bills between each payday. Try to balance them out.
Now, put the name of each bill on the outside of each envelope. Put the envelopes in your box with your bills and wait for payday.
My best suggestion of the day is this, if you are really having a hard time, throw out your credit cards and your check book. Go on a cash only basis. If there is a major problem handling your bills, contact Consumer Credit Counseling at www.cccssouthwest.org
You have just created an envelope budget system. When you get paid, put the money for each bill in it's envelope. Go pay the bills as soon as possible. If you can't get to them right away. DON'T SPEND IT.
All of your bills are in one place, and your budget is in order. This is very easy to keep track of. If you still can't keep track of it. Ask someone to help you, someone you trust, and be accountable to that person. Make yourself do it. You'll be glad you did when your phone stops ringing from bill collecters.
These are the instructions if you want to make the budget system yourself, or you can get the one that is all made up with the instructions with it. The choice is up to you.
Add to Cart BPD02 ~*^*~ "Budget Basics" book - $7.95
Add to Cart BPD03 ~*^*~ "Budget Basics" workbook with book included! - $15.95
