So, how many of you ranked “create a budget and stick to it” No. 1 in the Top 10 of your New Year’s resolution list for 2015? Now, how many of you have actually stuck to it? Okay…let’s not all raise our manicured hands at once. 🙂

First, let’s start with the definition of “budget”. Merriam Webster states it as an estimate, often itemized, of expected income and expense for a given period in the future. This basically means that if you are actually on a budget, you are choosing to forecast your fixed and non-fixed costs and spending to get a better grip on where your income is being allotted.

For those of you who utilize a budget, you more than likely have a higher credit score, a lower debt to income ratio, and money set aside for emergencies. To be perfectly honest, sticking to a budget comes with tons of sacrifice and being labeled a coupon queen. But if the rewards include a weeklong getaway to your favorite beach once a year for half the cost, and getting that designer bag haute off the “clearance” rack, then budgeting is well worth it.

To learn more about how to set aside more of your income to live a more rewarding lifestyle, check out our financial webinar series starting in mid-August. More updates coming soon!

Want to get a head-start? See Dave Ramsey’s Quick Start Budget Guide here.