Priorities Bring Focus to Family Budgeting

Written by: Rudy Freeman - on July 18th, 2008

Often times, the family budget is a source of conflict. Most of the time, the major earner makes the final financial decision, which isnï¿½t always a welcome deal for the rest. Since money is such an intrinsic part of family life, families need to achieve accord in this aspect. There is a four-step cycle in budgeting the family money to maintain peace and harmony.

1. Set your priorities

Priorities are different from goals. They are aspects in your familyï¿½s life that you, as a family, want to set focus on, say health or childrenï¿½s future. While goals are specific targets that support priorities.

In setting priorities, do not set too many as it defeats the purpose. Ideally, there should only be one, but because life is not ideal, 2 to 3 are reasonable.

As the priorities are set and agreed upon, write them down. Post the paper where everybody can see them to remind them of what your family is focused on for the next few years.

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2. List down your goals

Once the family has set and agreed on priorities, the next step is to set the goals. Goals are specific and measurable conditions that, when achieved, will support the priorities.

In setting goals, establish a target that is both challenging yet achievable. A 10-15% of the familyï¿½s income is a good savings target for a childï¿½s future education: stretching yet reachable.

Try to limit your family into setting 1-2 goals per priority, to maintain focus.

3. Work towards your goals

After setting your priorities and goals, start living by them. All of the familyï¿½s activities will be geared towards working at your goals. Track progress, particularly on financial goals, by using an income and expense-tracking tool. The simplest way is to get a notebook and list down all expenses and incomes and set a budget for future spending. There are those that invest in computer software or a family accountant. Whatever it is, the important thing is to have a system of monitoring the familyï¿½s performance towards achieving their goals.

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4. Evaluate your family life

At a certain point in time, when you feel like itï¿½s time to evaluate your life, check how your family is doing against the goals. Goals that have been achieved can be checked off the list, and new ones can be formulated.

At times, in major changes, say a career move, or when a family member goes away, it may be time to re-evaluate priorities. When such a time comes, then the cycle begins, just like what itï¿½s for: life!