Is your budget full of surprises for you. Do you get to the end of the
month, and then things just don't add up. Or do you even have a budget? If you don't, do you run out of money during the month and wonder how it happened.

Unfortunately, both of these are all-too-common scenarios. People seem
to be afraid of looking at a real budget or they want to hide from the
amount of money they actually spend, and then they feel controlled by
money. And that, as most people know, is a very bad feeling.

When you're doing your budget for the month do you remember to include
recurring monthly expenses. There's also the fact that some months
have five Fridays (or other days) a month, instead of four, so if you
are making a monthly budget that includes weekly payments, your
numbers won't mesh in the end. These hidden expenses can make you feel
like you are failing to stay on your budget.

Also keep in mind that small expenses add up fast. Do you go to the
movies every week? Did you include that in your budget? You should, if
you're going to be honest with yourself and if you want to get control
of money issues that have been controlling you. For instance if you go
to a movie ($16) once a week and pay for your and a partner's tickets,
have sodas and popcorn ($4) and go to a simple dinner ($20), after one
year you will have spent over $2,000 on your simple Friday nights out.

Try to think of everything you spend money on: magazine subscriptions,
batteries, you name it. These things all add up and can affect whether you nd up sticking to your budget or giving up.

Most people react with shock when they see how much they really spend,
as compared to how much they think they spend. It pays to be honest
with yourself, and eventually you will start to feel empowered when it
comes to money.