Coupon Alert and Family Budget

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Creating your first family budget

Where does your money go every month? You have to sometimes wonder if the same little creature that steals socks from your laundry is somehow swiping your debit and credit cards or writing checks in your name. We all know that we need to save money and plan for the future. We might be tempted to run a marathon up hill in the snow before sitting down and seeing where money goes every month.

Before you throw in the towel and decide to give up on your New Year's Resolution of saving for your kid's college tuition, that family trip your always wanted, or simply getting out of debt, give budgeting a shot with the following steps.

Step 1 - Print off the budget form that is attached.

Step 2 - Write down what you are spending on a monthly basis. If you aren't sure, give it your best guess.

Step 3 - Total each category in the total fields.

Step 4 - Total all the categories at the bottom.

You have taken the first step in setting a budget and moving toward your saving's goals. Let 2013 be the year you accomplish your resolutions.

Share with us how you are saving money and budgeting this year by using hashtag #getthrifty.

Thanks to www.emeals.com for this helpful budget sheet. Check them out to see how you can save $1,000 each year on groceries.