Four Steps to an Even Better Plan

	Smart Move
	Your spending plan lets you know whether you are living within your means.

Of course, in addition to saving for a move, you need money for daily life—and for unexpected events. A car may break down or you may suddenly be deployed on an unaccompanied tour. These events, along with your goals, can affect income and expenses. That’s why you need a spending plan to help keep you on track. The worksheets on the next page will help you develop a spending plan. Make several copies so you can use these worksheets throughout the year. If you are married, involve your spouse in developing the spending plan. For a plan to work, both adults need to agree on priorities and expenses.

First, write down how much you expect to earn monthly on the Identify Income worksheet and how much you expect to spend monthly on the List Expenses and Savings worksheet. At the end of the month, go back and write down how much you actually earned and spent. Don’t be discouraged the first month if your expected income or expenses aren’t accurate. Just stick with it. Soon, your spending plan will be more on target and easier to create. Start your Spending Plan Worksheet.