Starting the year with a bang

It is nearly time to celebrate Australia Day. You would think that the beginning of a new year, celebrating (what our German friends call) the biggest celebration of our country, would put a spring in most peoples step. But what I'm seeing on the news, on the internet and in general conversation at the shops, is that many people are just trying to get by day to day. Starting a budget is what I'm hearing but many just don't know how or where to start.

Many are now starting to realize the money spent before and at Christmas time is starting to bite, and the prospect of the next couple of months not quite knowing how to go about paying their bills is quite daunting.

For families that have children, school will be starting and this can be rather expensive as well as stressful.
I'd like to recommend that if you are feeling the pinch, just take a deep breath and take one step at a time.Cut back on a few wants for a couple of weeks, and buy only what is absolutely needed. If your groceries are generally $150, try to drop down to half and use this extra cash to go towards the school needs.Re-use last years pencils/pens etc. Try to salvage as much of the previous years gear as possible. If buying new books for school, try on-line and ask at the school, as quite often some schools have a 2nd hand section.There are many things you can do.You just need to look around.

I realize kids will want new of everything, but don't cave on it all. After the first 2 weeks of school, no one will notice what is new and what is old. If you talk to them, let them know as much as is possible for their age; and you will be surprised with where and what they will be willing to do, to help out. Most kids are prepared to dig in and help; and may even be willing to do without all new gear. A lot of kids just want to blend in, and if they have some new gear, then both you and them can start the year on a good footing

Work together as a team...that's what families are supposed to do.

I hope your Australia Day is a good one.

PS if you need help with starting a budget go here for information on how to start a budget.It's a free download and might be just what you need to kick start the new year.
http://budgetskills.com/irregularincome.html