Making Ends Meet
A guide to help families get the most from their money
Making ends meet is a challenge for almost every family. One of the most important tools to help you meet that challenge is a spending and saving plan designed to fit your family.
Your plan for spending and saving is a guide for dividing your income so that it provides for your needs and as many of your wants as possible. A spending and saving plan can help you in these ways:
- live within your income,
- place your needs above your wants,
- set aside money for large planned expenses and emergencies,
- save for the things you want,
- avoid or reduce family arguments about money,
- spend more wisely,
- make your dreams come true.
This publication can help you develop a spending and saving plan for your family. By following the six steps discussed, you will take one giant step towards better money management.
This publication was adapted from materials originally developed by Mary Heisler, Margaret Nelson, and Laurie Boyce, University of Wisconsin-Extension. Adapted and distributed in Mississippi by Beverly R. Howell, Ph.D., Family Economics and Management Specialist.
