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Money is stressful! Don’t worry the big stuffDealing with money is stressful, until you recognize the excitement of budgeting. Budgeting your money relieves stress, because you don’t worry about having the money to pay a bill – it’s already there. It helps you plan for future big-ticket items like a new car or vacation. If money problems are constantly stressing you out, budgeting is the answer!

Finding An AnswerBe the commanderCreating and following a budget puts you in command of your money, because you make the rules, instead of money dictating your life! A budget keeps track of money and everything it needs to do for you. “Can I afford it?” becomes a question you answer instantly! Doing the work to create and maintain that budget may seem boring at first. But the payoff is exciting, especially when it comes to planning for things like a dream vacation. Budgeting is preparing for your best life!

A Dream with a PlanCreating your best lifeBudgeting leads to debt-freedom, resulting in bigger and better choices. The ability to stay home with your kids, pay cash for a car, pay off your home – can be accomplished with a budget! If dreaming and planning for the future is exciting, then you already understand the excitement of budgeting!

Do the Math! Finding HopeIf you believe your situation is hopeless, do the math to prove it! Math doesn’t lie – and you might find that the reality of your situation is completely different. Create your financial picture to visualize where you truly stand, then use that information to create a budget that can help you hit any financial goal! Think it will take forever to pay off your debt? Use this calculator to find the truth – how small change really does make a big difference!

Take The First StepIt’s easy with the right informationChange is within your grasp, all you need to do is take the first step and create your financial picture. Once you can see where you are, it’s easy to see where you’re going. Brace yourself for the excitement of budgeting, because once you get, your life will change – forever. Reach out to “CentsAble” Bobbi for help, tips or advice.

Live The Life! The life you want...on your terms What does your perfect life look like? A big house? Fancy cars? Investing? Philanthropy? More time with family and friends? Goals vary from person to person, but if there’s no focus on what you really want, how can you possibly know what you need? Budgeting plays a major role in your planning because it helps you pay for your daily life, while preparing for your future life.

Look Into The FutureBudgets show where your money goes A budget breaks down your money and helps you plan for its use. Unless you’re born into wealth, it’s hard to live the life you want without a budget, because money flies out the window, making it hard to get a handle on spending and saving habits.

Be PassionateTurn your passion to money There are a gazillion people who work at jobs they can’t stand but have a hobby that lights them up and brings them happiness and fulfillment. How great would it be to make a living doing what you truly love? Budgeting lays out how you might get there by giving you an aerial view of your finances. How much you need to get started and make, how much to purchase equipment and operate. Perhaps a side hustle is necessary, or a strategic investment. The only way to live the life of your dreams is to plan for it.

Change Is GoodBad habits require changeBad spending and saving habits work against a desire to live the life many want and getting older doesn’t help because that usually means more financial responsibilities. But change is possible! It may mean sacrifice by taking on a side job, cutting back on going out and knocking out debt. The good news is that these changes lead to your ideal life.

Ah, To Be Young Don’t waste an opportunityTeens and young adults are favored with time and should take advantage of it. While mom and dad are footing the bill, you can explore your interests, find out what you’re good at, or find mentors and create a network of people that you can benefit, who can benefit you in turn. Once you’ve got a clear vision of the life you want and what you need to get there, think about what you can do, today. Take classes, find volunteer work in your area of interest. Get a job and start saving. Become an entrepreneur! Today, you’re in complete control of how you spend your money.

Debt – The Great Destroyer Avoid debt at all costsIf you’re looking to strip away opportunity, just get into debt. Life never goes completely as planned, that’s why it’s a good idea to have an emergency fund – it’s a necessity. Without it, you’re destined for debt and debt destroys choice. If you want control of your life, to live completely on your terms, avoid debt at all costs. It is possible to live debt free. What’s the secret? Shift from the “buy now, pay later” mindset to “save now, pay later” and always live within your means.

Get Active In Your Kids’ Education Explore the optionsA lot of stress is placed on parent’s shoulders when it comes to their kids’ education; considering health risks, controversial material, dedicated teachers – can leave people wondering what is best for their young ones. Kids must go to school, but what’s the best option? Send them to the public school in your district, homeschool, pay for a private, charter or other alternative education program? With so many choices, budgeting for school choice can be harrowing, but necessary to assure the best outcome.

Scholarships Aren’t Just For College! Finding ways to payMany would be surprised to know that there are scholarships for K-12 available, or that fourteen states offer education vouchers to low-income families and those with special needs, and eight states provide a tax credit for tuition and related expenses. Many states offer charter schools and several alternatives to traditional public education, so spend some time researching all available options.

Budgeting For School Choice Be Intentional!Create a budget that focused on money for the school of choice. It may sound impossible but try it before the idea is dismissed. It’s a welcome surprise how much is found after looking closely at income versus expenses and making some changes. Being intentional with money produces astounding results!

Plan Ahead Time is a powerful toolOnce the money is found to cover this year, start planning ahead. With time on your side, there’s a lot more you can do. Low-income families can open a Coverdell or education savings account and contribute up to $2,000 per year. Earnings are tax-free when used for your child’s education. Another option is the 529 plan, which allows the flexibility to save a lot more. GiftOfCollege.com CFO, Patricia Roberts outlines the details, benefits and strategies in her book, “Route 529: A Parent’s Guide To Saving For College And Career Training With 529 Plans.”

The Budget Scavenger Hunt Look for money in unexpected placesGo beyond the traditional “found money” such as tax refunds, bonuses and salary increases, and consider life changes like the end of potty training or aging out of daycare as places to re-direct those expenses to pay for education. You can also look for “spare change” in your budget or consider other surprising ways to save money.

Getting Started Can you spare 15 minutes?“Route 529” Author, Patricia Roberts says you can open a 529 plan in as little as 15 minutes, and there’s a ton of information and plans to choose from at giftofcollege.com!

It Takes A Village! Give and receive the gift of education!You don’t have to go it alone, because friends, family, even employers can contribute to 529 plans, and you can contribute for friends and family! GiftOfCollege.com embraces the adage “it takes a village to raise a child” by offering gift cards for any occasion, redeemable to a new or existing 529 plan, leading you to successfully budgeting for school choice.

"CentsAble" Bobbi shares the secret to debt-freedom, plus ideas for changing your spending habits and evaluating debt-payoff strategies.

Having bad credit is not the end of the world. But not understanding how it works can cost much more when it comes to things like buying cars or homes, renting an apartment, or entering a cell phone contract. A good credit score can save you TONS of money! “CentsAble” Bobbi shares the breakdown of your credit score, what to focus on and how to avoid the traps!