How to Live on a Budget

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They don't call it minimum wage for nothing, how the guy supposed to get ahead breaking his back 24/7 when all it gets you is chicken scratch? My friend, you need a budget.

You will need:

• Discipline and the ability to add, subtract and multiply and divide.

Optional:

• A bank or credit union.

Step one - add up all your income.

Step two - divide the total by the number of months it took you to earn it, the result is your monthly income.

Step three -add up all your essential monthly expenses like food, rent transportation and personal necessities.

Step four - next add up all of your non-essential monthly spending.

Step five - now add up all your expenses and pray the total is lower than your monthly income. If your expenses exceed your income you will have to cut back on non-essential items.

Step six - once your numbers are set stick to them. Discipline is the key to living on a budget.

Try to set aside a small portion of your income on a regular basis make sure to be positive in a secure savings institution.

Step seven -take public transportation of car pool with friends to save on gas, walking is free and it is great exercise.

Step eight - be frugal, stop buying brand-name clothes and fancy foods. Stop drinking lattes, don't order takeout. Instead of buying napkins wipe your mouth on your sleeve.

Step nine -buy anything you can second-hand. Thrift stores often sell household goods and perfectly good used clothing.

Congratulations you're on your way to a happier and more profitable future. Did you know more than 80% of undergrads have at least one credit card and nearly 50% have four or more.