It often happens that with the same incomes, some families live in prosperity, while others are constantly lacking, have to borrow or once again use the "credit card". Why do some people can afford a good vacation, a trip to a restaurant and a concert, while others do that they complain about lack of money?
The answer is simple - some are able to properly manage money, while others are not. And if your family belongs to the second category, then you need to learn how to plan the family budget correctly, and not to complain about the "bad" feng shui and small incomes.
In every woman (men - not an exception!) Sits a spender, and this simple, but quite effective method can help you analyze and properly plan your expenses. The rule of "7 envelopes" will help to follow up on what the money is spent on, and realize your financial goals!
Start by preparing envelopes: you can buy them or make them out of paper. Sign the envelopes and put the money in them.
The first envelope - "food"
How much to put in this envelope can be calculated for two to three months, analyzing and fixing your expenses on food. On average, it is 20 - 50% of the total amount of income, depending on the level of earnings. Only this money should be used for food, and if you didn’t calculate the money, and they ended prematurely - “tighten the belt” and go on a diet. Next month, work on the bugs.
The second envelope - "housing and services"
Here you need to save money for utilities, pay for Internet, telephone, credit and all other mandatory payments. Every family knows them, and problems with calculating the required amount should not arise.
The third envelope - "things"
This is money for clothes and shoes, furniture and household items. The amount is determined independently, depending on the needs and level of income. Here it would be good to make a list of necessary things, and purchase them in turn, starting with the most necessary.
The fourth envelope - "children"
Clothes, shoes, toys, activities, health, tutoring. These are mandatory expenses that cannot be saved. If possible, constantly increase this amount.
The fifth envelope - "rest, vacation and entertainment"
Money from this envelope is intended for vacations, home holidays, trips to a restaurant or cinema, gifts, hobbies. The amount depends only on your wealth, and to begin with, let it be small, but gladly spent on a new disc or book. After all, every married couple, one way or another, needs to relax, change monotonous everyday life. In addition to the set amount, in this envelope put off all "unplanned" income, if any.
Sixth envelope - "accumulation"
Save about 10% of your monthly income in this envelope (more is possible, but not less!). This is your savings, or popularly referred to as NZ (emergency reserve). As they accumulate, this money can be spent on large purchases: household appliances, jewelry. As well as the repair or purchase of apartments, cars, etc. However, do not immediately spend the entire amount, leave 10 - 15% savings for unforeseen cases.
This money can be stored in the bank, which will also be multiplied with the help of interest.
The seventh envelope "gifts"
And this envelope will store the "extra" money remaining in the remaining envelopes after a month. You can safely spend them on your whim, indulge yourself, beloved, because you deserve it! Or make nice gifts to your loved ones.
The secret of "7 envelopes"
The main rule of "7 envelopes" - never take money from another envelope. That is, the money from the first envelope can be spent only on food, and not on going to the movies or to a new blouse. Do you like to relax in a restaurant? Then you will be left without a trip to warm lands, etc.
If there are "crises", and you just have to take money from another envelope, be sure to write down on it the amount, when and how much you took, and when you returned the "debt".
Constantly adjust the amount, taking into account your income and needs, work on the errors. However, you should not save on all the little things or on very important things. Total savings - a sign of stupidity, not frugality. It's no wonder they say that the miser pays twice.
