The American Dream Homebuyer Education Saving to Achieve Your Goals

Saving – Points to Ponder Saving rates in the U.S. “Pay yourself first” Make savings part of the budget Save to achieve all goals – short, medium, long-term

Set Goals to Guide You Characteristics of goals – How much? – How long? – Measurable? – Reasonable and realistic? Write them down and read them often

Budgeting Basics and Assumptions All family income comes into family budget Plan once each year Work it weekly Modify as needed

Saving Begins with Budgeting Budgeting outline – Income, expenses, debts Budgeting worksheet – Annual budget – Income log – Monthly expense log – Weekly income and what to pay this week – Periodic expense charts

Annual Budget Write in November or December Review amount spent on items in previous year Set goals Include family members Spend to achieve your goals Create balanced budget

Monthly Worksheets Income Log Monthly Expense Log

What to Pay this Week Plan out a couple of months Stick to it – week in and week out Cross off as you pay Some expenses will be listed every week Check off monthly expenses log as you pay

Managing Periodic Expenses Budget killers Examples – entertainment, car repair, house repair, gifts, vacation, clothes A way to save to make purchases Make them a monthly expense

Managing Periodic Expenses Use credit cards to pay for expenses Tracking – keep receipts and ID expense category

Create Your Budget

Going Forward Make the commitment – Go for it! Make it one of your routines Expect setbacks Be flexible

The American Dream Homebuyer Education Saving to Achieve Your Goals