A plan for your finances

For a lot of us, as we started the year one of our new years resolutions was to take control of our finances. But what action do you have in place to do so?

Yesterday I was able to go to the grocery store and buy the things our family needed. My cart was full! And it humbled me. In January 2007 our budget was far different. We struggled to buy things like a gallon of milk. I felt small and defeated every time the monthly bills we're due or needing a tank of gas in the car. 

The reason I'm sharing this is for those of you in that boat now. Or maybe your not to that extreme but need to put purpose to your finances. This year my mission is to share the tools, resources and what I've learned over the past 11 years that has blessed our family and our finances. 

I want to help you to gain control, gain peace of mind, encourage you and help you gain choices! 

Here's to 2018 and becoming financially well! 

the first step

Starting today I want you to vow to take control of your finances. To gain that "No Matter What" mentality that will drive you forward with purpose to stop living in this cycle. Lets roll up our sleeves and design a plan! 

One of the things that I implemented years ago was a system for keeping track of our bills, expenses and knowing what we owed (and we owed a lot!!!). 

Print off January and February Finances pages.

Gain access to all 12 months of FREE Budget Printables below. 

Right click on this image, save it to your computer and print. 

Next your going to put action into place! This isn't a race but a journey as you design a plan that WILL work for your family. 

It's easy to start with January as some of your bills you've already paid. Look back through your check register and write down the bill, amount you paid, when the due date was and the balance (if applicable) for that account. 

Next, write out your goal. 

If you aim at nothing, you’ll hit it every time.  – Zig Ziglar

Is your goal something like: 

"To gain control of our finances".

"To have more money than month".

"To keep a positive bank balance all month". 

"To pay off our home".

What ever your goal is for the month/year, write it down! This will drive you forward to continue to be purposeful with your finances. 

Here's to your financial wellness in this new year! 

Want the full year of FREE budget Printables? 

Simply fill in your name and the best email address for yourself and then press the arrow. You will be directed to a new page where you will have full access to all 12 months of Budget Printables!

Name:
Email Address:
I agree to give Sabrina Sandoval permission to send me future emails. I understand I can opt-out at any time in the future.

 

Pin It

5 Tools to Help You Get Out of Debt

I have been reading an amazing devotional that was recommended through our MOPS group. Yesterday I read about Psalm 37:4...

Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.

After each devotional there is a simple prayer or response in this book. Here's what it said:

God, thank you for inviting me into your presence, welcoming me to turn to you with my dreams and desires. Please show me how to use these desires of my heart in this world for your glory.

So  I got to thinking... what desires and dreams do I have? And how can I use them to glorify God? One deep desire we have had for your family is to live a debt free life. Here are 5 tools that can help you to either A. Gain Financial Freedom or B. Use in your monthly financial planning for your family.

1. Let's Get Organized!

We've all had those moments of utter frustration when we can't find a bill that we know is do or needing record if we have paid a bill. Being organized is essential in getting out of debt.

There is the cutest Organizing Planner that is free to print out and even better it's CUSTOMIZABLE with your family's name and details. 

Remember if you print it you need to punch holes and put it in a 3 ring binder. I did this a few years ago and it's amazing how much easier it is to stay organized. Click HERE for the Organizing Planner.

2. Know What You Owe!

I found this really cute Expense Detail log HERE. There is an entire set that is free to print including a binder cover and Monthly budget worksheet.

Knowing what all of your outgoing expenses are each month is the first step in getting out of debt. Taking it a step further, knowing how much your revolving debt is and what it will take for you to become totally debt free.

3. Know What You Spend (And do it in Cash)!

Your less likely to make large, unwise or un-necessary purchases if you commit to paying in cash for the things your family needs.

You can find many envelop printables on pinterest or click HERE for this version. A simple white envelop with lines drawn on will do the trick as well. 

The main purpose is to help make you more aware of what your outgoing expenses are and what your spending.

4. Know What You Make and Start Budgeting!

Isn't this a cute Printable (Click HERE to print)! I'm much more likely to use worksheets if they are eye appealing personally. 

If you have never created a budget it can be a bit overwhelming - but it's crucial in getting out of debt.

First you must be honest with yourself as to how much money you bring in each month and then how much is going out. This will help you to see where you might need to make a few cuts.

5. Calendar in Payments!

After you have created your budget you can now decide when to pay each outgoing expense. If you get paid weekly for example, I find that it's best to break down your expenses throughout each week. 

If all of your bills are due at the beginnning of the month contact your debtors and see if you can change the due date. You will most likely find they will work with you. 

Here's to getting out of debt and being in control of your finances!

Pin It