Getting Serious with Personal Finance Budgeting Have you ever noticed that no matter how much money you make in a month, there is never enough? You most likely know how much you earned last month, but do you know how much you spent? If you dont, you are not the only one who doesn't. According to survey, most people spend 10% more than they make! If your solution to your financial stress is to take a long, hot soak to drown out those pesky calls from creditors, or go on a budget-busting online shopping trip, you may need to think again on your approach. Here are some tips to help you get your financial life on track. Start saving early. Whether you're saving for your kids' college education, a new home in a nice village, or a special out-of-the-country vacation, start saving early. The Australian National Audit Office has identified the advantages of activity based budgeting: The Advantages - Output costs are supported by a schedule of costed activities - Opportunities to examine work processes - Identifies non value-adding activities that can be eliminated - Basis of a performance measurement system and direct link between strategic goals and operational realities - Enables cost profiles to be managed - Accurate costing data for operational management - Costs are transparent, understandable and actionable Disadvantages - Activity definition may become too detailed and the model may become too complex and difficult to maintain - Underestimation of the task of collecting activity driver data - Implementation may be considered a financial management fad and there is insufficient commitment from operational managers Activity Based Budgeting Disadvantages - Usually requires buying Activity Based Budgeting software - Requires training of all managers including budgeting department - Requires people to really understand what drives their budget - Eliminates excuse that activity volume changed because it makes visible volume changes - Requires everyone to collect or estimate activity volume By understanding how resources are transformed into products or services, and byfocusing on the cost of activities, activity based budgeting helps an organisation to obtain a greaterunderstanding of how costs behave in their organization and which activities create significant amounts of cost. But with budgeting and forecasting, this small business will be slowly on its way to becoming big and strong enough to withstand the demands of the competitors and the entire market in general. Surely, budgeting and forecasting enable a company to monitor progress towards goals, control spending, and predict cash flow and profit, as well as improving its ability to respond quickly to competition. Budgeting for a Successful Business Your business needs to be running at peak efficiency to compete in today's market place. Financial planning, budget forecasts, overhead analysis and control all lead to a lean financial operating environment. Your business opportunities improve with the use of budget, a powerful tool, which can assist you in achieving your financial goals. Budgeting means wise spending For example, you can beat the high cost of dining out. According to surveys, families and singles eat at restaurants at least four times a week. Help yourself and your wallet from screaming in agony by doing your groceries well. And even if you cannot cook, there is still help that awaits you.