Basic HTML Version
28
How
to
Have a Happy Marriage
properly set up, this budget needs only occasional thought, as
contrasted with the constant headache of fitting each individ–
ual bill into the money on hand. What's more, with this
budget you are not forgetting any items or wasting any
money.
The greatest blessing is the freedom this budget gives you
when you spend the money.
If
you have carefully and faithfully
set aside the money from each check to pay each bill, you will
be able
to
spend it with the reassuring knowledge that it was
intended for that purpose-even recreation and some luxuries.
But curb that desire for annual luxury vacations and accompa–
nying restaurant meals!
So often, families actually make enough money to be able
to enjoy certain extras. But without such a budget, few enjoy
what they have. They may spend the money on these spe–
cialties, but always feel guilty doing so. Had they wisely
divided their income into standard segments and included an
amount from each check for special extras, they would be
able to have these luxuries with a clear conscience.
So learn the lesson. Divide your income into definite
sections so that every check is spent automatically on part of
every bill. The blessings are beyond belief.
What to Include
Your list of expenses must be complete. This is especially
true if your income is low or you are deeply in debt. There
are a few items that must be included in all budgets:
•
Clothing.
This is a sore spot for some families. They
may manage to get what they need, but only at great pains
to the budget. Clothing is a long-term need, and some forget
that they will need money to buy clothes. When the time
comes, it becomes a painful matter of squeezing out money
here and there. Why not just save a little from each check?
You do not need to spend it immediately, but when you need
it, it will be there.
•
Entertainment.
Many families feel they cannot afford en–
tertainment. To them it is an unnecessary expense. But enter–
tainment is a necessity for a balanced family. Many of us would
be overwhelmed with the happiness that can come simply by
setting a small amount away each check for entertainment.