Introduction 1
Part 1: All about Budgeting 5
Chapter 1: Beginning with Budgeting Basics 7
Chapter 2: Breaking Down the Parts of a Budget 21
Part 2: Finding a Budget That Works for You 37
Chapter 3: Zero-Based Budgeting 39
Chapter 4: The 50/30/20 Budget 59
Chapter 5: The Envelope Budget 77
Chapter 6: The Pay-Yourself-First Budget 95
Chapter 7: Tips for Creating a New Budget 107
Part 3: Taking Care of Your Priorities 127
Chapter 8: Establishing an Emergency Fund 129
Chapter 9: Saving for Your Retirement 147
Chapter 10: Eliminating Debt 153
Part 4: Budgeting in Action 177
Chapter 11: Budgeting in a Tough Economy 179
Chapter 12: Budgeting during Different Life Stages 193
Chapter 13: Budgeting for a Major Purchase or Life Event 211
Part 5: Using Your Budget for Money Management 231
Chapter 14: Budgeting for Major Life Changes 233
Chapter 15: Keeping Tabs on Credit Card Spending 249
Chapter 16: Using a Budget to Plan for the Future 259
Part 6: The Part of Tens 275
Chapter 17: Ten Creative Ways to Budget 277
Chapter 18: Ten Ways to Stay Motivated When Following a Budget 281
Index 285