Cash Budgeting - Preparing For the Coming Storm_36

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Can anyone who has paid attention to the global and domestic events of late question that we are headed for an economic train wreck? This is no Chicken Little dire prediction but rather a hard look at reality. Prudent individuals must admit that NOW is the time to be honest about the economic environment in which we find ourselves. It seems there is a concerted effort by "experts" and governments to convince the general population that things are fine and improving. The facts,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], however,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], show quite a different story
Many countries around the globe,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], as well as many states, find themselves on the verge of bankruptcy. There is nothing on the horizon to pull them back and rescue them. In fact, many of these entities seem determined to stay on course by continuing to spend mind boggling amounts of non-existent money in the hopes of buying their way out of this economic abyss. This does not bode well for our financial futures and should lead us to do some serious planning for ourselves. All is not lost and doomsday is not at hand. We should not stand by and wring our hands in dismay but rather take charge of our own situations and show some resourcefulness.
Unlike most governments,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], we must commit to gaining control of our finances. We must commit to spending only what we can afford and living within our means. The first step is definitely the most difficult. It involves taking a good,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], hard, honest look at our financial situation and implementing a method of monitoring and disciplining our cash flow situation. It's called budgeting,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych]!
Most people think a budget is limiting and confining when in reality the very opposite is true. When we create and follow a realistic budget we allow ourselves the freedom to spend what we need in order to maintain a sustainable lifestyle. We gain control of our income and outflow so that we know at any given time where we stand financially. We know what is affordable and what is presently beyond our reach. There is no more stress or guilt about purchases and expenditures. If the budget allows for a purchase we can relax and enjoy it without second guessing or feeling buyer's remorse. A tremendous weight is lifted and peace reigns.
There is a catch that stops many people from committing to a budget and it causes them to continue to live paycheck to paycheck with stress as a constant companion. It requires self discipline to face the truth and commit to change. It is much easier to continue to live within our comfort zone even when it is stressful. Most people will walk with a tiny rock in their shoe for quite a while until the rock bothers them so much that they finally stop and get rid of the rock. In the case of our financial future that rock could very easily become a large boulder if we do not shake it out as soon as possible. If you have not implemented a budget I encourage you to do so as soon as possible.