Create your budget following these tips from the TV show, Maxed Out.

1. Go through a previous month of transactions and figure out all the different areas in which you are spending your money.

2. Create a budget template that works for you in order to track your spending in each area over the upcoming month. (Need help getting started? Download our customized Budget Template)

3. Set priorities. You need to write your goals down in order to commit to them.

4. Look at your net income each month and balance it against your priorities. Set a maximum amount for what you can spend in each area.

5. Track all of your expenses over the month. If you pay for something in cash keep the receipt. You should update your budget template each week so that you can adjust accordingly if you have overspent in a particular area.

6. Re-evaluate at the end of the month. What works? What doesn’t? You may need to make additional lifestyle changes in order to meet your goals.

Tip: Anyone can write a budget. The problem always lies in why you can’t stick to the budget. You need to figure out what you are doing wrong, and often this involves looking beyond the money. Sometimes the way we deal with money mimics the way we deal with other things in our life. For example, it might be general disorganization or procrastination that needs to be overcome. Once you deal with the route problem, your money matters should fall into place as well.