How to Make a Budget That Works for you!

Budget,That awful six letter word that even our government can't seem to figure out. In economic times such as these it is ever important that we get our finances in order. 

The First step is to get organized. O Magazine gives 4 simple steps for getting your finances in order:

Step 1: Get the Tools You Need

Step 2: Dig In

Step 3: Start Sorting

Step 4: Stay on Track

One of the biggest burdens that people create for themselves involves debt, especially credit card debt. Jean Chatzky of O Magazine shows how we can begin to consolidate and eventually eliminate our credit card debt. click on Jeans name to hear her great tips.

After your finances have become organized it is time to create a budget that works for you. Every person is different and so every budget is different as well. The key is to find one that is right for you. Some simple steps to follow when creating a budget our:

1.)  Start by tracking your expenses. Determine which expenses are necessary for every day life ( rent, mortgage, food, car, ect.) and which ones are casual or optional expenses (eating out, movies, games, vacations ect.)

2.) Then make a list of current debt and make a plan to start paying it back.

3.)It is important to begin saving now even if it is only  a small amount each month

4.) Next, take your monthly income and subtract out your necessary expenses. Take the left over portion and subtract the money you want to use towards paying off your current debt. If there is still money left over, put the rest in savings.  You may choose to put a little bit aside for recreational purposes.

Once you find a financial strategy that works for you and your budget stick to it. Some times the results take a little bit of time to start showing. So be patient. In the end consitancy is the most important factor in maintaining a sucessful budget. 

Recipe of the Week # 3

Sister Worthen's Amazing Chocolate Chip Applesauce Cookies:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup crisco
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cup applasauce
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp nutmeg
• 3 1/2 cups flour
• chocolate chips
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup nuts (optional)
• 2 cups oats (optional)

Directions:

Cream Crisco and Sugar together and set aside. Add applesauce Baking Soda, and cinnamon together. Then mix in salt, nutmeg, flour, and eggs. Mix well and then add in chocolatechips and nuts and oats if desired. Bake at 375 for 15 mins.

The applesauce makes them healthier without losing out on taste! I give them two thumbs up!

Recipe of the Week # 2

Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas

"My vegetarian husband goes crazy over these every time! They are really cheesy, a little bit spicy, and a little bit sweet. Feel free to play around and add chicken or veggies, if you desire. Don't forget the salsa and sour cream!"

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PREP TIME	10 Min
COOK TIME	30 Min
READY IN	40 Min
Original recipe yield 8 small quesadillas

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped onion
• 1 (15.5 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (10 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/4 cup salsa
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons butter, divided
• 8 (8 inch) flour tortillas
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
  

DIRECTIONS:

• Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in onion, and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in beans and corn, then add sugar, salsa, and pepper flakes; mix well. Cook until heated through, about 3 minutes.

• Melt 2 teaspoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Place a tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle evenly with cheese, then top with some of the bean mixture. Place another tortilla on top, cook until golden, then flip and cook on the other side. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.

• To cut out some of the fat. Cook the tortillas with out adding butter. Also, chose whole wheat tortillas and low fat beans.