Build a budget that puts you on solid financial footing

Ask any financially successful person how they achieved their goals, and chances are they'll tell you it all started with a budget. And that's exactly where you should start. Budgeting For Dummies shows you how to create a plan that fits your lifestyle, manages everyday needs, and builds your savings. Author Athena Valentine, founder of the Money Smart Latina blog, offers step-by-step details for creating and following a budget without feeling like you're depriving yourself and your family of all the things that make life worth living. This book shows you how to figure out where your money comes from and where it goes so you can live the life you want and work toward your financial goals. Find out how to establish an emergency fund, eliminate debt, improve your credit score, and stick to your budget through economic ups and downs.

• Discover budgeting methods that work so you can live within your means
• Create a budget for your unique situation to get a handle on your income and expenses
• Deal with common budgeting challenges without taking on more debt
• Increase your credit score and save toward a major purchase

You don't need to make six figures to achieve your financial goals. Valentine, who also writes for Slate.com, knows the struggle of trying to make ends meet and is enthusiastic about sharing her knowledge with anyone who wants to improve their financial literacy. If you're not sure where to start when it comes to managing your money, you can depend on Valentine's tried-and-true advice in Budgeting For Dummies to set you on the right path.

Financial independence-the Money Smart Latina way

Budgeting is key to making the most out of the money you have so you can live the life you want. And in Budgeting For Dummies, you'll discover several techniques guaranteed to improve your personal finances. You'll also find tips on how to consciously spend to make your dream life fit your budget, fix your debt, and improve your credit score. From the zero-based budget method to strategies for dealing with common budgeting challenges, this book is an easy-to-follow roadmap to increased financial independence and security.

Inside?

• Learn budgeting basics
• Try different budgeting methods
• Establish an emergency fund
• Save for your future
• Crush your debt
• Plan for major purchases
• Get control of credit
• Prepare for life changes