The first thing I would like to mention here is how imperative it is to keep a budget. Often times when I was depressed bills wouldn't get paid, and when I was going through a Manic Phase the Stock Market was my worst nightmare. Your extremely impulsive when your going through a manic phase, and you, and those around you need to be fully aware of when your going through a manic phase! I lost $11,000 dollars in the market last year, yes we did have a rough year in reference to the economy, market etc......still no excuse I should never of lost that much money considering what I know in reference to the market.

My budget now has to be easy, and it had to be logical. I also needed to keep everything in one place. My bills were scattered all over my studio, and I had no idea where they were.

I found that I had to be very careful of credit cards and checking accounts.

You will need:

One writing pen, and a narrow tip marker

On your paper, make a line down the page two inches from the long left side, make another line one inch from that, then two more, each one inch apart, write down every bill you have, write the amount next to it. Here is a suggested order

Rent/Mortgage

Utilities/Gas/Electric

Telephone

Car/truck payment(s)

Insurance/vehicles/house/life

Credit cards/Loans - all of them

Internet Access bill

Food

Gas/upkeep vehicles

Entertainment

Miscellaneous

Once you have written your bills down, and their amounts in the next column, write your paychecks above the next two columns, for instance if your paydays fall on the 1st, and the 15th, you would write that in.
Next divide up your bills between each payday. Try to balance them out.

Now, put the name of each bill on the outside of each envelope. Put the envelopes in your box with your bills and wait for payday.

My best suggestion of the day is this, if you are really having a hard time, throw out your credit cards and your check book. Go on a cash only basis.

You have just created an envelope budget system. When you get paid, put the money for each bill in it's envelope. Go pay the bills as soon as possible. If you can't get to them right away. DON'T SPEND IT. This is simply common sence for everyone in America to adhere to, if you dont have the money dont buy it!

All of your bills are in one place, and your budget is in order. This is very easy to keep track of. If you still can't keep track of it. Ask someone to help you, someone you trust, and be accountable to that person. Make yourself do it. You'll be glad you did when your phone stops ringing from bill collecters.

If you don't want to build your own budget box or envelope.,I have some already made up.

*Send $8 plus $3.00 shipping and handling to Ryan Lorello 1501 Elon Lane, Encinitas, C.A., 92024............if your extremely hard up for cash it's my gift to you absolutely free. Please pay via paypal if you can just simply go to Http://www.paypal.com. I also except checks, money orders etc. This is a free site, I'm not making any money so please help me keep this site running, and improving by contributing......Thankyou(:

*I will also throw in absouloutly free an Excel based spreadsheet program which will keep you incredibly organized.....it's my gift to you.