Ever wondered why that family down the street always seems to be in such good shape financially?  Chances are, it has nothing to do with how much they earn.  It’s much more likely that they agree on spending, have a budget and stick to it.  There’s lots of computer software available for budgeting, and this is the time of the year when it tends to go on sale.  But most financial planners use a spreadsheet they construct themselves.  Paper and pencil work too.  Divide your expense into categories, and track your income and outgo each month.