Once you have a spending plan that sets spending amounts for essential family needs and balances your spending with your income, you will want to try to stick to it. Continue to keep track of all your expenses. By knowing where your money goes, it's easier to control your spending and live within your income.

Writing it down is not enough. You must use the plan to guide your spending.

Keep an accurate record of what you spend in each expense category to be sure you don't exceed the amount on your spending plan.

You may decide to develop your own spending plan and a way to record your expenditures or you may wish to ask your local Cooperative Extension Service office about the availability of a family account book. It provides monthly pages for a year's spending plan and can help you list expenditures and compare them to your spending plan goals. Account books are also available from book and stationery stores.

The difference between success and failure is often your attitude. Someone once said, "If you think you can, or if you think you can't, either way you are right."