Budgeting help

[MummaSue]

I'm totally and utterly hopeless at this.

I feel like I'm spending too much money at the moment (of course xmas isn't helping).

So, how do you budget for stuff. Break it down for me.
Anyone know any good websites that have tools?

I know I'm being a bit vague with what I'm asking but I really have no idea about this stuff. I'm rubbish and don't want DH to be the one worrying about it all the time.

Cheers
Sue x

[UsPlus2]

We use this excel document Budget planner its great, because you just fill it in and it updates for you just save the excel document to your desktop and away you go

We do one for the current month, for next month and an annual one. I'm updating them constantly.

[MummaSue]

Cool thanks babe!! xx

[~Kim~]

Yep that's the one I like too. The actual site has some great tips as does a site called SImple Savings.

[LionsandBears]

I like simple budgets. They show your budget over a year. You enter in you normal monthly stuff as well as the annual things like car rego. You can also include budgeting for replacing big things like a new fridge every 15 years or something.

Then it works out how much you need per pay period. That's best for me because i used to say i have X per month, then run out some months when an unexpected expense came in. Even if i was saving. But i'm someone who needs to budget for everything, right down to birthday and xmas presents, otherwise i spend it on rubbish and wonder where the money went.

[MummaSue]

Thank you lovely ladies!

I really need to also just stop myself from spending unnecessarily too - impulse buys are my downfall. Must not do that.

I feel guilty that DH is out at work all day and I (feel like I) am spending cash, it doesn't seem fair somehow.
I used to be fiercely financially independent and now being on maternity leave and not earning...... well, it's hard to get my head around.

Anyway...... thanks! xxx