The Name of the Game is B.U.D.G.E.T

How is your progress coming along with your business so far? What about the plans you have made to start a business this year? Made any recent changes to your business? Look at the impact these changes have made. Whatever your current plans are, or future plans they involve money. Many of you may be wondering where is the money coming from, because what you have now never seems to stretch enough. Sometimes you may find (as I have on many occasions,)that the extra pennies you toss in to that piggy bank or old jar in your bedroom may add up to a nice additional sum at the end of the year. I have a friend that made the decision to save her spare change throughout the year. At the end of the year she had $500! which she used to purchase some new clothing items. It is a personal choice, but taking this route prevented her from having to dip in to her current monies. Below you will find a few tips to help keep you on the budget track.

Make a commitment

Vow today that you are going to commit to yourself to reign in your personal as well as business spending. Don't just do it verbally, write it down. This can be on a sheet of paper or perhaps on an index card. Place it in a spot where you can review it daily. Tell yourself "I will remain committed to my budget." Before you know it you will find the additional funds you have been seeking to make the business changes you desire. Microsoft's Money or Intuit's Quicken are useful tools.

Know What You Are Bringing In

This is not your gross, but what remains after those wonderful taxes and additional deductions have been removed. What are you left with? If you are looking at how much your business is making monthly, is this amount consistent? If you are looking at a period of half a year, look at the income and divide by 6, so you can get an average. Do you receive rental income that can help with your business? Look at commissions etc. If it is not available all the time, don't count on it all the time.

Is it a Need Or a Want

It is a thought that can make you tremble. Cut those costs. How, when you are just barely making it? You are going to have to analyze your spending to see where costs can be reduced. Keep a journal of what you are spending. Before you make a purchase, ask yourself if you need it or is it a desire you have at the moment? Think of additional ways you can achieve the same satisfaction sans removing money from your wallet. Is that latte necessary? Ask yourself....