Make A Plan!! (Proverbs 4)

Know where you are headed, and you will stay on solid ground. Proverbs 4:26

Too many of us have used (or still use) the READY, FIRE!, AIM approach when it comes to our money.  You get your paycheck, go spend it and then look at your bank account balance.  Even worse, all the money has already been allocated to the stuff you've already purchased and are now making payments on.  Then you get the dreaded "Financial Hangover."  

Now, I know you're thinking I'm going to suggest the READY, AIM, FIRE! approach, but you'd be wrong.  I want you to use the wild idea of AIM, READY, FIRE! when it comes to your money.  Yes, I want you to select your targets before you even have your ammunition.

Let me explain:

• AIM - Create a NEW, unique budget before the month begins.  Aim at numbers that are happening specifically in that month (February's expenses are NOT the same as December's).  Budget with ONLY the money you know will be coming in that month (Are you getting an "extra paycheck" this month or maybe a bonus?).  
• READY - When the money you've budgeted is deposited into your bank account, you now have a loaded weapon to attack with.
• FIRE! - Now that you've got a your targets selected and a loaded weapon, it's time to hit those targets!  It's always a good idea to step back and take a look several times a month to see how your accuracy is.  You may in fact, need to make adjustments to your AIM throughout the month (and that's ok).

The absolute BEST program I have found to assist you in finding your AIM and tracking your FIRE! is You Need A Budget (YNAB for short).  They offer a 34 day trial of the software and if you like it and would be interested in a 25% discount, please let me know and I can help you with that.

Proverbs 4 is clear that in order to keep yourself, your family and your life on solid ground, you need to know where you are headed.  Looking back into the past can be nostalgic, but keep your eyes forward and MAKE A PLAN!