評論
打印
The word “budget” has such a negative connotation in today’s society. Individuals associate the act of budgeting with some sort of militant regimen that hinders them from having any sort of flexibility with their money.
“預算”這個詞似乎在當今社會略帶貶義。人們常常會用類似于軍事化的規則來控制預算，好讓他們在金錢這塊不至于手頭過緊。
The end result? Failure.
最后的結果呢？當然是失敗。
Fortunately, there are a number of ways to prevent your budget from failing and make it work for you, minus the ball and chain.
好在，這里有很多方法可以讓你免于財政赤字，減輕你的負擔。
Before you create your budget, track spending for at least one month to get a better idea of where your money actually goes. Once you’ve taken this pertinent step, consider the following tips to help you stay on track throughout the month.
在設立預算之前，先來對自己一個月的支出進行大概的追蹤，這樣才能了解自己的錢到底花在什么地方去了。一旦這個步驟完成，再來根據下面的貼士來幫你控制每月的支出吧。
1) Be as specific as possible.
越詳細越好。
Fluffy budgets are destined for failure because they do not consider all the key factors. Big expenses are important, but it is the little things that will usually send you flying off the deep-end. If your budget demonstrates that you can cover all your fixed expenses with a little change to spare, you may feel somewhat satisfied until you realize midway through the month that things are going down-hill because you forgot to incorporate the daily visit to the nearest fast-food joint for lunch.
太過寬泛的記賬當然不會有效，因為他們忽視了所有的關鍵因素。大的支出固然重要，但小的支出才是真正讓你月月光的原因。如果你的預算顯示除去每月固定開銷之外，還有部分結余可供支配，但實際上不到月中你就已經破產，為什么呢？還不就是因為你忽視了每天都需要去就近快餐店支付的午餐費么。
Bottom line: every cent counts, so be sure to include those variable expenses down to the penny. To help you track variable spending, it may be a good idea to incorporate the envelope system. That way, your budget won’t stand a chance at failing.
建議：每分錢都很重要，所以別忘記把那些小錢也算在開銷里面。要想記下紛雜的開銷，不妨考慮一下信封系統。這樣，你的預算絕對不會超支了。
2) Set realistic expectations.
設立現實點的期望
It never hurts to dream big, but actually making them a reality is another story. The same rule applies to budgeting: unrealistic figures will set you up for failure each and every month.
夢想再大也不為過，但要實現它就是另外一回事了。這個定理也同樣適用于預算：不切實際的數據只會讓你月月光。
If you know that you spend a certain amount of money each week on groceries, do not attempt to cut the number in half just for the sake of making the budget balance. Instead, make small cuts over time to build the momentum and prevent you from getting discouraged.
如果你知道每周在雜貨店花多少錢，千萬不要為了收支平衡來一次性縮減一半的開支。相反，你可以慢慢減少開支，這樣還能讓自己心情愉快。
3) Believe in yourself.
相信自己
This may sound a bit strange, but successful budgeting has a lot to do with your attitude. If you are pessimistic about the process and your inability to successfully commit to the plan from inception, you will probably fail miserably. On the other hand, if you learn to view your budget as a spending plan that will help you accomplish your current and future financial goals, you will more than likely be inclined to remain on track because there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
這個聽起來有點奇怪，但成功的預算多半取決于你的態度。如果你對過程非常的消極，也覺得自己沒有能力來成功的按照計劃執行，你當然會輸得很慘。然而，如果你把預算看成是幫你完成近期和長遠經濟目標的計劃，你就更容易遵守，畢竟能讓你看到希望呀。
4) Solicit the assistance of an accountability partner.
拉上一個會算賬的伙伴。
Do not go out and ask your best buddy who agrees with everything you say and do for help. This is actually counter-productive. Instead, find someone to check-in with on a consistent basis who will be honest with you and hold you accountable for your spending habits each month.
千萬別找那種你說什么都正確的朋友來幫忙，這只會起到反效果。相反，要找那種會穩扎穩打對你說實話的人，這樣才會幫你堅持每個月的消費習慣。
Some even go the extra mile to hire a financial coach that is seasoned in budgeting and can provide extensive assistance with budgeting.
有的人甚至還會花錢請一個財務教練來控制預算，以提供更大的預算支持。
5) Prepare for the unexpected.
對意外支出要有心理準備。
Wouldn’t it be great to live in a world where emergencies did not exist? Wishful thinking. Unexpected occurrences are inevitable, so it is important to incorporate a little padding in your budget each month to cover those moments that completely catch you off guard. Also, stash away a little cash each month to build up that emergency fund.
怎么可能生活在一個沒有意外事件的世界里呢？這只是幻想罷了。意外總是無法避免的，所以在每個月的預算中留出一部分作為意外支出很有必要，可以防止你到時候手忙腳亂。所以每個月存點錢來作為緊急基金吧。
6) Cut yourself a little slack.
給自己一點寬松的余地。
Let’s face it: sticking to a budget is hard work. That is why positive reinforcement is so important. Develop some sort of reward system for yourself that will motivate you to keep your eyes on the prize each month.
我們要知道：恪守預算實在太艱難了。所以積極的強制力十分重要。給自己設立點獎勵機制，這樣能鼓勵你奔著獎品前進哦。
Following these tips on a consistent basis will help put your mind at ease when developing and executing your monthly spending plan.
長期堅持這些就能幫你輕松自如的指定每個月的花費預算了。
