Sticking to a budget

Once a budget is set up, it is not always that easy to stick to it. But that doesn't mean you have to give up because you've failed once or twice.

• Remember the big picture. A budget keeps you out of overwhelming debt and help you build to financial freedom.
• Make it more difficult to make impulse purchases. Remove yourself off retailer email lists. Ask yourself "Is this purchase necessary?"
• Find some support, such as an online forum, a monthly meeting, or even some friends that are trying to keep a budget.
• Handle transactions in old-fashioned ways so you can see how much you're spending. For example, writing out cheques or paying cash.
• Reward yourself for every month you've been faithful to your budget.
• Schedule a periodic budget evaluation.
• Educate yourself about finances, money management, and how you can best invest in yourself.