Spending Habits
	Where does your money go each month? Completing the worksheet will help you find out. Print out the form(preferrably in landscape orientation) and read the instructions below before starting. Fill in the items marked with an asterisk (*) first. These are fixed expenses, or expenses which require set payments on a weekly, monthly, semi-annual, or annual basis. The remaining items are variable expenses, or expenses which can change a great deal from month to month. You may have to estimate the average amount you spend on these items. Be as accurate as possible. Total all your expenses and your income. Subtract expenses from income. Is there any surplus? If not, adjustments will need to be made. Analyze your present spending habits by examining the completed worksheet. Are you surprised at the amount you are spending on some categories? Are you saving for the things you want? Can you start cutting back on some items? In short, are you spending your money on the items you truly want, or are you frittering away your paycheck on unnecessary expenses either as a result of vague spending priorities or poor shopping habits? Return to Formulating a budget for guidelines on setting spending priorities and developing your personal budget plan. <Back