noffice.org) and Google Spreadsheets (docs.google.com) are free to use.

Or if you prefer a more low-tech method, a legal pad is really all you need to lay out your budget.

Divide your spreadsheet or paper into two columns - all types of income in one an

Planning a budget seems like a fairly simple task, but unfortunately most people never bother. Whether because it's boring or because they just aren't "good with numbers" many people never see the benefits of having a budget to work from.

The fact is, however, that having a budget has a number of advantages. Whether you take the time to do it yourself, or work with someone else who can help you accomplish the task, it's well worth the time it takes.

A budget should include projected income and expenses for each month as well as a buffer for unexpected expenses that may pop up. There are many ways of keeping track of your finances. You can use software like Quicken or Microsoft Money, both of which have extensive budgeting capabilities, or you can use a spreadsheet like MS Excel. A spreadsheet will take a little more work because it isn't already set up for you, but it gives you more freedom to lay things out the way you like.

If you don't own any spreadsheet software, it doesn't have to cost anything. Both Open Office (www.openoffice.org) and Google Spreadsheets (docs.google.com) are free to use.

Or if you prefer a more low-tech method, a legal pad is really all you need to lay out your budget.

Divide your spreadsheet or paper into two columns - all types of income in one an

, that having a budget has a number of advantages. Whether you take the time to do it yourself, or work with someone else who can help you accomplish the task, it's well worth the time it takes.

A budget should include projected income and expenses for each month as well as a buffer for unexpected expenses that may pop up. There are many ways of keeping track of your finances. You can use software like Quicken or Microsoft Money, both of which have extensive budgeting capabilities, or you can use a spreadsheet like MS Excel. A spreadsheet will take a little more work because it isn't already set up for you, but it gives you more freedom to lay things out the way you like.

If you don't own any spreadsheet software, it doesn't have to cost anything. Both Open Office (www.openoffice.org) and Google Spreadsheets (docs.google.com) are free to use.

Or if you prefer a more low-tech method, a legal pad is really all you need to lay out your budget.

Divide your spreadsheet or paper into two columns - all types of income in one an

onth as well as a buffer for unexpected expenses that may pop up. There are many ways of keeping track of your finances. You can use software like Quicken or Microsoft Money, both of which have extensive budgeting capabilities, or you can use a spreadsheet like MS Excel. A spreadsheet will take a little more work because it isn't already set up for you, but it gives you more freedom to lay things out the way you like.

If you don't own any spreadsheet software, it doesn't have to cost anything. Both Open Office (www.openoffice.org) and Google Spreadsheets (docs.google.com) are free to use.

Or if you prefer a more low-tech method, a legal pad is really all you need to lay out your budget.

Divide your spreadsheet or paper into two columns - all types of income in one an

Excel. A spreadsheet will take a little more work because it isn't already set up for you, but it gives you more freedom to lay things out the way you like.

If you don't own any spreadsheet software, it doesn't have to cost anything. Both Open Office (www.openoffice.org) and Google Spreadsheets (docs.google.com) are free to use.

Or if you prefer a more low-tech method, a legal pad is really all you need to lay out your budget.

Divide your spreadsheet or paper into two columns - all types of income in one an

noffice.org) and Google Spreadsheets (docs.google.com) are free to use.

Or if you prefer a more low-tech method, a legal pad is really all you need to lay out your budget.

Divide your spreadsheet or paper into two columns - all types of income in one and all expenses in the other. The income column would include your salary as well as any other forms of income you get on a monthly basis. The expenses would include fixed expenses like a mortgage or car payment, as well as other things such as groceries, entertainment, gasoline, etc.

If possible, add a 10% "buffer" in the expenses column for unexpected bills. If you don't use it, you can use it as savings or to pay down credit card balances, but if you don't budget for it and need it, it can throw your budget out.

Now, here is where you can potentially increase your income through a budget. Make another "projected" budget - this one is for looking at alternatives.

For example, add up the interest that you pay on credit cards every month, the interest you pay on auto loans and 25% of non-essential expenses such as restaurant meals or other entertainment.

Total those three items - this is one area that you could potentially save money every month (thereby "increasing" your income - you'll have more in your pocket at the en