It is still one of the most frightening words in the English language.  It has been said that only 3% of Americans have one and live by it.  It can truly be the rudder for your family finances.  It considers your Life plan, includes your giving plan, and is your short term Financial Plan.  Ease the Squeeze and the FFB seminars walk you through the process of setting up a budget, as well as how to use the tools including the Daily Spend List, Big Buy List, Debt Hit List, Save to Spend List, Cash Control List, and the Budget Report Card.  It is really easier than you think.  It is critical to develop a budget so you know where your money is going, to set specific goals and promote accountability for achieving them, to have a roadmap that is linked directly to your goals, and to offer a realistic assessment of where you are today and where you would like to be.  Sometimes holding up the mirror is difficult, but necessary.  It will be refreshing to help you plan for the future instead of the future showing up and dictating to you your financial situation.

I have included a lengthy Chapter (20) in Ease the Squeeze called Freedom in a Flash that is chock full of money-saving ideas, tools, and savings strategies that will save you thousands of dollars over the next few years if you only implement a few.  The section called Freedom Factor Lightning Bolts literally saved us over $5000 a year--pretty significant considering I was making $35,000 a year.  These ideas will make a quick impact in your debt, your giving, and then your saving! It will help turn your budget into reality.