You might think of a budget as financial handcuffs - meaning you are restricting yourself from spending money on the things you want. This isn't so. Instead, think of it as a means to achieve financial success. Whether you make thousands of dollars a year or even hundreds of thousands of dollars a year, a budget is the first and most important step you can take towards putting your money to work for you. To do that, track the money that's coming in and going out. Fortunately, there are easy ways to do that. Go online and search for "free budgeting software." There are many free and shareware bookkeeping software around and they are easier to use and understand than complicated finance software such as Microsoft Money and Quicken. For those who don t have training or a background in finances, you may be at a disadvantage as you sit around the management table without any knowledge in budgeting process. Budgeting is the process of identifying, gathering, summarizing and communicating financial and non-financial information about your future activities. You can find everything you expect in a budgeting tool including retirement planning, estate planning, capital needs analysis, budgeting, what-if scenarios, disability needs analysis, education needs analysis, cash flow and tax planning, balance sheets, among others. These systems help you to easily create and manage payments so you will never have to worry about another late fee, postage or licking stamps. Budgeting and Forecasting for a Better Future Although development is a goal shared by all organizations, it renders the process of budgeting and forecasting expenses of the company's numerous and complex operations. Budgeting and forecasting establish realistic expectations and goals for management to guide the organization forward. Saving for the future is a constant and sweet reward of budgeting. In budgeting, you will be able to build your savings. You can use payroll deductions and bonus incomes, looking around for the best interest rates, and improving your spending habits. You can add up to your savings by doing little things that can help you: save lunch and coupon money, take advantage of sales, saving your loose change, and being willing to compromise especially when there are other bills that call for your attention and money.