The Excitement of Budgeting

10/10/21 • 6 min

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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.

Previous Episode

Achieving A Better Life Experience

The Path To Achieving A Better Life Experience A 529 ABLE Plan leads to less stressUntil 2014, achieving a better life experience for the disabled was difficult and resulted in a lot of heartache for them and those caring for them. Too many assets meant reduced or lost SSI or SSDI benefits, therefore financial struggles were almost a given. According to Author Patricia Roberts, help is available through a 529 ABLE Plan. A visit to nast.org is a great start to gain more information.

Independence Is AttainableTax-free money leads to more controlThe freedom of a 529 ABLE plan is indisputable, because it provides tax free earnings on the money you save and the ability to spend that money, tax free, for a wide range of expenses. Independence is no longer a pipe dream, because these plans give more control and allow for more discretion in their quest to achieve a better life experience.

Benefits That Change LivesHelp is available from friends and familyBenefits of a 529 ABLE plan are vast and life-changing! Although capped at $15,000 per year, contributions are not limited to a disabled person’s minimal earnings, because friends, family and employers are allowed to contribute, as well. Furthermore, accounts valued at up to $100,000 will not affect SSI or SSDI benefits. And even though there’s no federal tax deduction for contributions, many states allow for this. These tax-free funds may be used for a variety of expenses including medical care, housing, transportation and education, to name a few, but a good place to get a full handle on benefits is ablenrc.org.

Who QualifiesHow to determine if a 529 ABLE is for youMedically qualified persons whose disability started before the age of 26 may take advantage of this plan, even if you don’t receive SSI or SSDI benefits, as long as you meet Social Security’s criteria and receive a letter of disability certification from a licensed doctor.

Take The First StepIt’s easy with the right informationOpening an account is fast and easy! A good place to start is giftofcollege.com because they outline available options for all 50 states, and be sure to check out their helpful flipbook. Also, many online brokerage firms can help you set up a 529 ABLE plan.

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Fighting For Financial Freedom

Fighting For Financial Freedom It’s easier than you thinkSpending your days, the way you want, is much more satisfying than being stuck behind a desk. To walk away from a job that no longer aligns with your values, because you are no longer a slave to debt or employer is empowering. Who wouldn’t want total control of their financial life, or to send their children out into the world, free of a burdensome paycheck to paycheck life? No one! In this episode, you will learn how fighting for financial freedom is easy to start and leads to you being a commander in your quest to live your ultimate life.

Freedom Can Be Yours Command your troopsFreedom is a choice. Even if you’re in debt, living paycheck to paycheck, you have the power to command your money and take back your freedom. Don’t depend on someone else to give you a raise or inheritance. Stop waiting for change and start creating it. Regardless of your income level or the size of your debt, there are small steps you can take today, which lead to a better tomorrow.

Living The Dream What freedom feels likeAfter you slay your debt and start building your financial foundation, life looks different. You begin to think about money and its purpose differently. You begin strategizing and focusing on what you can accomplish, instead of what’s holding you back. To live life on your terms and plan, instead of bracing for what life might throw your way. The stronger the financial foundation, the more freedom you have, to start living the life of your dreams!

Welcome to the Journey! Don’t forget your patienceIf you’ve come to the realization that fighting for financial freedom is possible, welcome to the journey! Don’t expect your situation to change overnight; it’s a journey, not a bullet train. Gather your resources, map out your path, take the first step and then keep going!

Thank you!Many thanks to Financial Freedom Fighter, Virginia Woolf, for contributing to this episode! Visit her website and get a copy of her e-book “The Bag Lady.”