I have never budgeted my own money before. Right now I pay my bills and spend the rest. I would like to learn how to manage my finances better. Does anyone use a budget program that they like? I would prefer to have a computer program. Thanks for any help you can give.

Hmmm. Put half of what is left in the bank, after you pay your bills. Once you get used to that, then go for more finesse. You need to get used to having less before you complicate matters. If it's in the bank, it's accessible for emergencies.

Always paid myself FIRST! Then bills/expenses...THEN whatever is left I played with.

Umm I am a big spender..I cannot save a dime for shi!t. I see it, I like it I buy it.. I am good at paying cash for things tho..
So I do have to say credit cards is a waste of money. If I cannot buy it w/ cash I just don't buy it at all..saves money.

If you have direct deposit at work, have them split the deposit. Put what you need for bills and a little bit for fun in your checking, then stash away the rest in your savings account. You don't even see it in your check book, and you have to transfer it out of savings to use it, so it creates a little guilt trip. You don't have to start big, either... maybe put $50 a week in there. It will grow!

WOW......your 41 and never budgeted your own money before???

T.M. that's what I would do. Pay myself first OR have a % cut from a paycheck so that you never see it. Great way to save.

Try "Quicken". If you want a user friendly software program, that's the one. I has budgeting too.

I have lived on Quicken since it was invented just for the ease of balancing accounts. Takes me less than 5 minutes.

Good Luck!

THAT is the one I have been trying to think of that I used previously! It is a good one!

I agree. Credit cards suck, but are nice to have for emergencies. But most people use them, max them out, and end up in trouble (been there, done that). I save for things now. If I want something, then I start saving money for it. Paid for a Disney vacation that way. All cash, and it was wonderful spending the week at Disney World and not having to worry about money. I over budgeted. Worked out real nicely.

Goof, will you take me (and my son of course) to see the magic kingdom?

Ooooopps double post..

Using one for only fuel makes life easy if you're taking it as a deduction, as long as you pay it off each month, just like a bill. I used to pay off every card I had every month, only using them for normal monthly expenditures anyway. I have one card that I fund Christmas with, so I can spread the expense over a month or two instead of biting a big bullet. Splitting up seems like just the kind of emergency credit cards are meant for though, so they are something I have to deal with now unfortunately.

Thanks you guys. I really appreciate the advice. I don't have any credit cards. I always use my debit card. I am going to go with the quicken to track this and see where I throw away money. I also like the idea of paying myself first so I just went online and set it up so they automatically deduct money and transfer it to my savings once a month.

Again....thank you very much.