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GET MORE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK A Plan for Managing Your Money

Did you know that you can "get more bang for your buck" by planning? Think about these questions. Do you sometimes find that you: run out of money before the end of the month; are unable to pay bills on time; or you cannot seem to get the things you need and want? Perhaps it is time to make a spending plan (budget) for managing your money. You may not always have enough money. However, a spending plan will help you and your family feel more in control of your money.

To manage your money successfully and “get more bang for your buck” think about your family situation and ask yourself:

What goals do I/ we have for using my/ our money?

What things do I/ we need and want?

♦ How much income do I/ we have?

What expenses do I/ we have?

What resources can I/ we use along with or in place of money?

♦ How do I/ we make a spending plan?

♦ How can I/ we adjust my/ our plan and stretch my/ our money?

What can I/ we do to save and/ or change the way I/ we currently spend money?

Let's get started!

Your spending plan will be built around the needs of your household members. For families with more than one person, talking together is important. Talk to family members about your financial situation and your spending plan.

1. Your Goals
2. What goals do you and your family have for the use of your money? Goals are things that you strive for, because they are important to you. They may be short-term (less than a year) or long-term goals (1-2 years or more). Perhaps you would like to have next month's rent; catch up on the phone bill; get all of your medicine; save money each month; or get a car. You may have other goals. To reach your goals you must plan and take action.