Manage Household Budgets

How to Do Something Sweet for Your Husband on a Budget

Thu, 25 Apr 2019 17:43:56 +0800

Romantic gifts don't have to be expensive, which is good news for a couple just starting out in life. There are small things you can do that cost very little but will mean a lot, including framing a photo of the two of you and getting an autographed photo of his favorite sports or movie star.

Sodding a Yard on a Budget

Fri, 05 Apr 2019 19:17:11 +0800

Sod can be a great replacement for regular grass, providing a healthy, lush yard that rivals any in your neighborhood. The process of switching to sod is fairly simple, as long as you take the steps ahead of time to determine what you need and prepare your lawn. Friends can be a big help.

Ideas for a 22nd Birthday on a Budget

Fri, 05 Apr 2019 19:17:10 +0800

When you have a limited income, you may not want to spend a fortune on a party. You can still throw a nice party for a 22 year old and remain under budget. Party ideas include turning back the clock, returning to the carefree days of being a kid or the opposite, having an over-the-hill party.

How Much Should I Budget for Toiletries?

Fri, 05 Apr 2019 19:17:10 +0800

You use toiletries on a daily basis, so it’s important to make sure you add them to your monthly budget. Deciding how much you can spend on soap, shampoo and other personal items at the beginning of the month is the best way to avoid splurging later on when you should be spending on something else.

Budgeting and Depreciation

Fri, 05 Apr 2019 19:06:47 +0800

Assets decline in value over time, and this is known as depreciation. The term is notable for businesses, since they often deal with accounting for depreciation in their budgeting and taxes. For individuals, though, depreciation most often comes into play when buying or trading in automobiles.

Household Items Checklist for Newlyweds

Sun, 24 Jun 2012 06:30:39 +0800

Newlyweds just starting out need many things to establish their new home. It helps to walk through each area of the house and make note of everything you need in each room. Next, take a good look at what you already have and cross those things off your list. What’s left will be a checklist of what to get as you establish your new home together.

How to Budget for Catering a Party

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 20:30:42 +0800

To be the host or hostess with the mostest, you can turn to a caterer who does the work while you get the compliments. Budgeting for food and beverage for a party can depend on how much you want to spend or what you want to serve. Using the former method, you’ll work with the caterer to make your cash go as far as possible. Using the latter choice, you’ll pick your dream menu and adjust after you see the costs.

DIY Tiny Budget Wedding

Sat, 02 Jun 2012 12:30:41 +0800

Getting married doesn't have to mean spending tons of money and blowing your budget. Whether you decided to get married quickly or you just don't find it practical to spend thousands of dollars on one day, small-budget weddings still can be festive and memorable. Save money by doing much of the work yourself or by asking friends to chip in their time.

How to Use a Spreadsheet Program to Develop a Food Budget

Tue, 29 May 2012 22:30:40 +0800

When you’re trying to rein in your spending and control where the dollars go, a budget might help you plan and then track expenses. Your food budget is one monthly expense that can get out of hand easily. From running to the store to pick up a few odds and ends to relying on carryout meals when you’re short on time, it’s easy for your food bill to soar. If you have basic computer skills, you can use a spreadsheet program to develop a food budget.

Three Ways to Avoid a Budget Deficit

Fri, 04 May 2012 20:31:08 +0800

Common causes of blowing your budget include impulse buying, impatience and the inability or refusal to recognize goods and services as wants or needs. While you may feel a budget is restrictive, work together as couple to spend 90 percent or less of your budget each month. Then, you'll have 10 percent left over to save or spend on more costly items.

How to Budget for Bathroom Improvements

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 13:30:55 +0800

Bathrooms and kitchens are the areas that most often need sprucing up in a home, and even small changes in them can drastically change the look and feel of the entire house. Whether you plan to stay in the home, or are looking to sell in the near future, a well-planned bathroom makeover is a solid investment. The cost of home renovations can get out of hand easily, however, especially if you don't have a strict budget in mind for your project. Rather than taking out a loan, or using credit cards, make a plan to pay for improvements as you go along.

How to Look Professional on a Budget as a Male

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 09:30:16 +0800

Men are fortunate when it comes to budgeting money for work clothes because wearing the same suit over and over isn’t as big a negative as wearing a dress over and over. And do we even have to talk about shoes? For most men, a standard black pair and brown pair are all that's required. Men with limited cash to spend on a work wardrobe can focus on accessories to help them look professional. Concentrate on shirts, ties, belts and handkerchiefs to develop a professional, white-collar look on a blue-collar salary.