WINNIPEG, MB. – A new year is the best time to set goals for yourself. Making a new budget will help you be more organized and reduce your stress. If you are interested in redoing your financial plan, follow these tips for a successful budget.

Use a spreadsheet. If you are taking your budget seriously, don’t just jot down some numbers on a piece of paper. Spreadsheets are easier to revisit and edit, so take the time to make one this year.

Don’t try to plan everything. Making a budget is important, but so is having some flexibility. Some months you will spend less than expected, while others you might have big unexpected expenses. If you give yourself a little wiggle room each month, these changes won’t break the bank.

Set aside money for charity. If you don’t already donate to charity, now is the time to start. Find a non-profit that matches you interests and set up a monthly gift for them. Don’t forget that donations are tax deductible. If women’s rights and education are important to you, one charity to consider is Beautiful World. The non-profit organization supports girls living in poverty in Uganda, Rwanda and Sierra Leone to pursue higher education. Each scholarship provides everything a student needs for success, ranging from tuition to toothpaste.

Find more information at www.beautifulworldcanada.org.

newscanada.com for the Manitoba Post

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