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NEW YEAR- NEW BUDGETS

Budgeting lies at the foundation of every financial plan. It doesn’t matter if you’re living paycheck to paycheck or earning six-figures a year, you need to know where your money is going if you want to have a handle on your finances. Unlike what you might believe, budgeting isn’t all about restricting what you spend money on and cutting out all the fun in your life. It’s really about understanding how much money you have, where it goes, and then planning how to best allocate those funds. Here’s some things you need to help you create and maintain a budget.

1. Budgeting Basics

Do you know why a budget is so important? On the surface it seems like creating a budget is just a tedious financial exercise, especially if you feel your finances are already in good order. But you might be surprised at just how valuable a budget can be. A good budget can help keep your spending on track and even uncover some hidden cash flow problems that might free up even more money to put toward your other financial goals.

2. How to Create a Budget

The hardest part of creating a budget is sitting down and actually creating one. It’s like staring at a blank piece of paper when you need to write something and that first step seems like a massive hurdle.

3. 3 Traits for Budgeting Successs

Once you’re taken the time to create a budget, now it’s time to make sure you follow it. Budgeting can be like going on a diet—you start with good intentions, but after a few weeks or months you drift away from your plan. Don’t let that happen to you.

4. Basic Budget Worksheet

If you’re having difficulty coming up with all of the various expense categories for your budget, he is a budget worksheet that can help you organize everything. This worksheet has the common expenses and can help you keep track in an orderly fashion.

CATEGORY	MONTHLY BUDGET AMOUNT	MONTHLY ACTUAL AMOUNT	DIFFERENCE
INCOME:
Wages and Bonuses
Interest Income
Investment Income
Miscellaneous Income
Income Subtotal
INCOME TAXES WITHHELD:
Federal Income Tax
State and Local Income Tax
Social Security/Medicare Tax
Income Taxes Subtotal
Spendable Income
EXPENSES:
HOME:
Mortgage or Rent
Homeowners/Renters Insurance
Property Taxes
Home Repairs/Maintenance/HOA Dues
Home Improvements
UTILITIES:
Electricity
Water and Sewer
Natural Gas or Oil
Telephone (Land Line, Cell)
FOOD:
Groceries
Eating Out, Lunches, Snacks
FAMILY OBLIGATIONS:
Child Support
Alimony
Day Care, Babysitting
HEALTH AND MEDICAL:
Insurance (medical,dental,vision)
Unreimbursed Medical Expenses, Copays
Fitness (Yoga,Massage,Gym)
TRANSPORTATION:
Car Payments
Gasoline/Oil
Auto Repairs/Maintenance/Fees
Auto Insurance
Other Transportation (tolls, bus, subway, taxis)
DEBT PAYMENTS:
Credit Cards
Student Loans
Other Loans
ENTERTAINMENT/RECREATION:
Cable TV/Videos/Movies
Computer Expense
Hobbies
Subscriptions and Dues
Vacations
PETS:
Food
Grooming, Boarding, Vet
CLOTHING:
INVESTMENTS AND SAVINGS:
401(K)or IRA
Stocks/Bonds/Mutual Funds
College Fund
Savings
Emergency Fund
MISCELLANEOUS:
Toiletries, Household Products
Gifts/Donations
Grooming (Hair, Make-up, Other)
Miscellaneous Expense
Total Investments and Expenses
Surplus or Shortage (Spendable income minus total expenses and investments)

5. How Overspending Breaks Your Budget

The main reason to create a budget is to help you keep your finances under control by keeping track of how much money you’re spending and where it goes. When you begin to stray from your budget it’s usually because of spending too much money somewhere. But if you have a budget that tells you exactly how much you’re supposed to spend, why is it so easy to overspend? There are a number of reasons we overspend, so when you understand what causes overspending, you can help put a stop to it and keep your budget on track.

6. Try Using Cash to Keep Spending Under Control

Swiping plastic has become incredibly easy. With both credit cards and debit cards, we can be in and out with a purchase in a matter of seconds. Unfortunately, this convenience comes at a cost. By using plastic we can begin to lose track of how much money is actually being spent. Sure, two dollars here, 4 dollars there, it doesn’t seem like much at the time of purchase, but if you aren’t careful they can really add up and bust your budget. One trick to help keep your daily spending under control is to use cash instead of your credit or debit cards. It might not be as fast, but it helps you visualize just how much money you’re actually spending.

YOU ARE INVITED by MK Mueller......

Purchase 8 to Great Products

One of our Villa Medici authors is announcing a short talk and book signing for her new "Becoming a Magnificent Manifaster" book. It will be this Wednesday evening here at our clubhouse and you're invited!

What: A short sharing about the book by MK Mueller

When: This Wednesday evening, December 14th

from 7:00-7:15 p.m. and signing of books from 7:15 p.m. to whenever

Where: The beautifully decorated Villa Medici Clubhouse located at 9550 Ash St., Overland Park, KS 66217

Who for: Those who have purchased the book, those who want to, and those
who just want cookies, a roaring fire and Christmas music! If anyone is in the music mood, at 7:30 MK will play some carols on the newly tuned grand piano for all to sing along.

For more about the book, go to http://www.8togreat.com/

Success

WIN KINDLE FIRE

Inspirational

Apartment Safety

Building safety in your apartment

• Be aware of your surroundings. Be alert when walking to or from your apartment late at night, as well as when using common rooms such as the weight room, laundry room, etc.
• Walk in well lit areas and keep multiple lights on when you leave your home. Lock doors and windows, and be sure your doors have a deadbolt lock for extra protection.
• Let a neighbor friend know when you are going out of town so that he or she can keep an eye on any suspicious activity going on around your apartment. You and your neighbors can have a buddy system. He'll watch out for you when you're gone and vice versa.
• When your apartment is unoccupied for a long period of time, leave a radio or television playing to give the impression that somebody is home.
• NEVER allow strangers to enter the building as you are leaving or entering any apartment building. Be aware of anybody hanging around the door that looks disinterested but makes a dash to hold open the door after it has been unlocked. Make sure all outer doors are kept locked at all times.
• DO NOT buzz anyone you don't know into the building. Criminals have been known to randomly buzz people's apartments saying it is a pizza delivery and another tenant is not answering so can you please let them in.
• Suspicious or unknown people trying to get into the building should be referred to the building superintendent, management or security. If you do not want to talk to them, then let the building superintendent, management or security know about these people immediately.
• List only your first initial along with your last name in the lobby tenant directory.
• On outgoing voicemail boxes or answering machines, instead of saying "I am not home" tell the caller "We are not home," again giving the appearance that you do not live alone.
• Don't leave valuable objects out that can be seen through your apartment window or out in your car. Don't put your valuables on display.
• Purchase renter’s insurance. It’s cheap and worth every penny!
• Report bad lighting, overgrowth of landscaping (if it looks like someone can hide in it) and broken locks.
• Don’t run extension cords under carpets or from unit-to-unit. They can easily overheat. Extension cords are for temporary use only. They are not to be used as a substitute for permanent wiring.
• Have a fire escape plan. Practice it. Know at least two ways to get out of your apartment. Pick a family meeting place outside the apartment building. Don’t use elevators (they may take you right into the fire.)

Safety for your vehicle

Auto theft and theft from vehicles are the most common crimes in apartment communities. Aside from keeping your building safe, it’s important to follow these tips to protect your property:

• Lock your car door. Even if you're only running inside to grab a jacket, you need to keep your car secure.
• Never leave valuables like packages, handbags, clothing, or mobile phones lying inside the car. Regardless of their value, don’t tempt a thief.
• Lock your valuables in the trunk before you leave your last parking spot. This way, you can get out, lock the car and walk away without attracting any unwanted attention.
• Park in the most-visible, well-lit areas. Avoid dark, deserted streets and alleys.
• Don’t keep titles or registration in the vehicle; put them in a safe place.
• Consider installing a car alarm. An alarm won’t catch a thief, but someone who forces open the door, hood, or trunk lid will set off the alarm and attract attention.

MK Mueller

Presenting on December 4th 1pm-4pm 17315 Antioch Rd, Overland Park, KS register now seating is limited 828-242-9033. 8togreat.com

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International trainer and author MK Mueller began her professional life as a high school teacher when she hit rock bottom and found herself in a domestic violence shelter. From the depths of despair, she experienced life-changing insights as she discovered that we are not victims because the power to effect change is always within us.

From this bold foundation, she began a support group with five neighbors which quickly grew to hundreds coming to hear her message each week. Now she trains over 100,000 people each year – from homeless shelter residents to Fortune 500 Executives – in the concepts from her first book, Taking Care of Me: The Habits of Happiness as well as those of her new book, 8 to Great: The Powerful Process for Positive Change.

Meanwhile, she is dedicated to the empowerment of our youth, and trains thousands of middle and high school teachers each year in her 8 to Great Success Curriculum. It has touched so many lives it was recently mentioned on Dr.Phil! MK is a winner of the Heartland Hero Award and numerous music awards for her inspiring compositions. She is the mother of two grown children and lives in Omaha, NE.

Success Stories

“In my view, this book and process put MK Mueller in the history books as one of the revolutionary thinkers of our time.”
- Rose Feldman, Florida

“I am eternally, eternally grateful for you and this life-changing process! I just can't stop sharing it with everyone I meet! ”
- Ron Warkentin, Washington

"I believe that what you have created here could change the world."
- Tonnie Wolfe, Oregon

“I was allowing things from my past to prevent me from being successful. Now I have been listening to 8 to Great while in my car. I have learned that when I take responsibility for myself and become honest with myself, I am able to move past things which I allowed to hold me back. Every day I begin with my gratitudes and it starts me 'off and running.' I am truly grateful for 8 to Great and becoming the person I have dreamt of becoming.”
- Brian Bethel, California

“I have been reading the chapters in 8 to Great each night and finding such joy and excitement with each page. Thank you for the peace, serenity, and wisdom you bring through your words.”
- Amy Kilgren, MIchigan

Quote of Beauty

Apartment Fire Safety Tips

Because families in apartment complexes live so close together, there are special areas of concern when it comes to fire safety.

Apartment complexes are simply a series of small, connected homes. It’s important to remember that what you do in your apartment can affect people living six-doors down, or even in the next building.

Special hazards that affect people who live in apartments:

• Often, there is only one way in or out -- no back door.

• Stairways are often built entirely of wood. If the stairwell or walkway is on fire, you may not be able to exit through the front door.
• Congested parking can mean blocked fire hydrants and/or blocked fire lanes. (A ladder truck can be 8 – 9-feet wide, and 50-feet long. A blocked fire lane can slow down response time.)
• An apartment building is, in effect, a very densely populated neighborhood. (If the downstairs or next door apartment is on fire, it can spread quickly to adjoining apartments in a matter of minutes.)
• Without properly working smoke alarms, it make take a lengthy amount of time before finding out that another part of the apartment building is on fire. Consequently, this could cut your chances of getting out of the building alive.

Safety Tips

Make sure you have smoke alarms that work.

The Fire Code requires working smoke alarm(s) in every apartment unit. Existing apartments require smoke alarms in the hallway outside sleeping areas. Newly constructed apartments now require them IN the sleep room, as well. Remember to check the batteries once a month, and replace the batteries once a year.

The apartment complex is required to have a fire extinguisher within 75-feet travel distance.

If extinguishers are not provided outside the apartments, then each apartment is required to have one.

The Fire Code states that no person shall use fixed or portable barbecues in or under any attached covered patios, balconies, covered walkways or roof overhangs.

When in use, barbeques should be located on ground level and be a minimum of 10-feet away from combustible surfaces including buildings, structures, covered walkways and roof overhangs.

Don’t park in front of fire hydrants and don’t park in fire lanes.

Respecting the fire restrictions may literally save your life. When friends visit, be sure to remind them to park only in appropriate parking areas.

Never leave smoking materials burning. Never smoke in bed.

In 2001, the most common cause of apartment fires was careless disposal of smoking materials.

Make sure there’s a number on your apartment door.

If there isn’t, contact management.

Keep a copy of your apartment number and apartment building number, inside your apartment, near the phone.

The information will then be handy for babysitters, and it will be there if you panic.

Complex owners and managers need to be sure gated driveways are accessible to firefighters.

75-percent of multi-housing complexes are now gated. Work with the fire department to make sure access requirements are met.

Don’t run extension cords under carpets or from unit-to-unit.

They can easily overheat. Extension cords are for temporary use only. They are not to be used as a substitute for permanent wiring.

Get acquainted with disabled folks in your building.

If there’s a fire, they may have extra difficulty getting out. You may be able to help them, or you can direct firefighters to the disabled person’s apartment.

What To Do If There’s a Fire

• Once out – STAY OUT! Do not go back in for ANY reason.

• Call 9-1-1 from a safe location.

• Give the dispatcher as much accurate information as you can.

• Get out of the apartment.

• Try to let neighbors know to get out. Help elderly and disabled folks or families who have many children.

• Have someone meet the firetrucks when they arrive, if it can be done safely.

• Keep the fire lanes open.

• If you can’t get out, use a mobile phone to stay in touch with 9-1-1 dispatchers. Shine a flashlight or wave a sheet out the window to alert firefighters that you’re trapped.

• Stay calm.