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You Need a Budget

summary ofYou Need a BudgetBook by Jesse Mecham

12 min
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You’ll learn

  • How to save more and worry less about money
  • Ways to get out of debt
  • Working methods for increasing your income
  • To set up your budget effectively

first KEY POINT

Planning is important because it helps you track your income and expenses

You can achieve financial freedom by being intentional about your budget; this means you have to pay more attention to the things you cannot do without, like rent, groceries, health insurance, etc. You also need to make an effort and take actionable steps to fuel your priorities and then determine how you spend your money without any financial fallout or overwhelming burden. This is the point where you stop dreaming about a “big” life and instead take the right steps to create the kind of life you want by looking at your money and deciding what you want it to do for you.If you spend your income as you receive your check without bothering to discern your needs or wants, you will end up living from paycheck to paycheck without having a grip on the debt you accumulate.

Planning is essential in your journey to breaking free from debt. If you have no plan on how to save enough for rainy days, you’ll struggle to cope when things get difficult.

Planning allows you to map out your expenditures before they happen and enable you to enjoy a life without financial stress. The burden of financial stress can be very overwhelming, especially for people who receive a low income. Overcoming this problem requires careful planning, and if you cannot apply the rules required for successful budget planning, you can always hire a professional to do so for you.Continue through the following chapters to learn how to manage your finances and create the life you want.

second KEY POINT

It’s helpful when you are explicit and intentional about how you spend your money

Being explicit and intentional about your money can be done by being active with your money or creating a to-do list with your income. Attribute a dollar to an item of expenditure, and you’ll end up saving more and spending less.Once you have prioritized your financial goals by covering all your obligations, you’ll have no worries about offsetting debts, even if you’re cash-strapped. You will also be at liberty to spend your money on other things as you please as long as you have cared for the most important things. The decision to stay out of debt primarily rests on you.

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first KEY POINT

When you set real-life goals, you need to give room for adjustment

second KEY POINT

Setting up a budget as a couple might look crazy, but it is the best thing to do if you both want financial freedom

third KEY POINT

It is essential to teach your kids the importance of having a budget, so that they will find it easier to save when they grow up

fourth KEY POINT

Create a convenient environment for you to achieve your financial plans

fifth KEY POINT

Conclusion

About the author

Jesse Mecham is an expert accountant and the founder of “You Need a Budget,” a software that helps people keep track of their income and expenditures.

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Frequently asked questions

What is You Need a Budget: The Proven System for Breaking the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle, Getting out of Debt, and Living the Life You Want about?

You Need a Budget, authored by Jesse Mecham, introduces a time-tested budgeting system designed to help people break free from living paycheck to paycheck. The book emphasizes proactive financial planning, empowering readers to take control of their money and achieve their financial goals.

What are the key takeaways from You Need a Budget: The Proven System for Breaking the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle, Getting out of Debt, and Living the Life You Want?

Key takeaways from You Need a Budget include the importance of prioritizing spending, planning ahead, and adjusting your budget as life changes. The system focuses on giving every dollar a purpose and emphasizes the significance of building a buffer for discretionary spending.

Is You Need a Budget: The Proven System for Breaking the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle, Getting out of Debt, and Living the Life You Want worth reading?

Yes, You Need a Budget is highly recommended for anyone looking to improve their financial literacy and manage their money effectively. The actionable advice and approachable writing style make it a valuable resource for both beginners and those seeking to refine their budgeting skills.

How many pages is You Need a Budget: The Proven System for Breaking the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle, Getting out of Debt, and Living the Life You Want and when was it published?

You Need a Budget spans approximately 314 pages and was published in 2017. The book's comprehensive yet straightforward approach has resonated with readers looking to enhance their financial well-being.

Can You Need a Budget help with getting out of debt?

Absolutely! You Need a Budget provides strategies that focus directly on managing and reducing debt through structured budgeting and mindful spending. By following its principles, readers can develop a clear plan to pay off debts while also preparing for future financial stability.