Maybe it’s time for us to rethink the "B" word—budgeting. Yeah, I know. No one likes to budget. We associate it with pain and austerity. Budgeting means scrimping—having to say "No" to all the things we want to do. Budgeting, dieting, root canals—they all sort of go together don’t they?

Believe me, I know how you feel. I don’t like budgeting either. But I learned a long time ago that there are usually two ways to do anything: The right way, and the easy way. Although I call it the easy way, it’s actually only easy in the short-term. Those "easy monthly payments" have destroyed many a family’s financial health. When you think about it, isn’t this the root of a lot of our pain? Putting immediate gratification ahead of long term planning? Ever since Esau sold his birthright for a bowl of Jacob’s stew, people have been making bad long-term decisions to enjoy short-term gains.

In my attempt to make the right way just a little easier, I’m going to devote the next few articles on developing a sound budget and helping you avoid typical budgetary mistakes. The first thing we’re going to do to make this road a little easier is what I’ve already done in the No Debt No Sweat! materials -– change the name. We won’t even call it a "budget." We’ll call it our Personal Financial Freedom Plan—or, PFFP for short. I like that name because it is so descriptive. It’s personal. It’s about our finances. And, it’ll give us freedom if we just plan!

So, my suggestion: Stop making excuses. Stop stalling. Turn off the TV, and get started. Take a serious look at your financial situation, and begin to brainstorm ways it could improve. Get a good budgeting form and a ratio breakout showing approximately how much to spend on various items. You can find good forms in various books at your local Christian bookstore. Or, (forgive the shameless plug) log onto my website (shown below) and order a copy of No Debt No Sweat! It includes a great PFFP form. It really doesn't matter where you get your matierials. If you get started, then trust me: Tomorrow will be a better day.

Steve Diggs presents the No Debt No Sweat! Christian Money Management Seminar at churches and other venues nationwide. Visit Steve on the Web at  www.stevediggs.com  or call 615-834-3063. The author of several books, today Steve serves as a minister for the Antioch Church of Christ in Nashville. For 25 years he was President of the Franklin Group, Inc. Steve and Bonnie have four children whom they have home schooled. The family lives in Brentwood, Tennessee.

A complete financial compendium, 19 chapters
• What you can do today to get out of debt and kill the Debt Monster
• A,B,C's of handling your money God's way
• How to save, invest, and retire wisely
• How mutual funds work
• How to stop fighting over money
• What to teach your kids about money
• Learn how home & car buying, college financing and insurance work.
• How to develop a budget that works -- forever!
• Features simple charts, graphs, and easy-to-use forms.

Click here to learn more or to order.