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The word “budget” has such a negative connotation in today’s society. Individuals associate the act of budgeting with some sort of militant regimen that hinders them from having any sort of flexibility with their money.
“预算”这个词似乎在当今社会略带贬义。人们常常会用类似于军事化的规则来控制预算，好让他们在金钱这块不至于手头过紧。
The end result? Failure.
最后的结果呢？当然是失败。
Fortunately, there are a number of ways to prevent your budget from failing and make it work for you, minus the ball and chain.
好在，这里有很多方法可以让你免于财政赤字，减轻你的负担。
Before you create your budget, track spending for at least one month to get a better idea of where your money actually goes. Once you’ve taken this pertinent step, consider the following tips to help you stay on track throughout the month.
在设立预算之前，先来对自己一个月的支出进行大概的追踪，这样才能了解自己的钱到底花在什么地方去了。一旦这个步骤完成，再来根据下面的贴士来帮你控制每月的支出吧。
1) Be as specific as possible.
越详细越好。
Fluffy budgets are destined for failure because they do not consider all the key factors. Big expenses are important, but it is the little things that will usually send you flying off the deep-end. If your budget demonstrates that you can cover all your fixed expenses with a little change to spare, you may feel somewhat satisfied until you realize midway through the month that things are going down-hill because you forgot to incorporate the daily visit to the nearest fast-food joint for lunch.
太过宽泛的记账当然不会有效，因为他们忽视了所有的关键因素。大的支出固然重要，但小的支出才是真正让你月月光的原因。如果你的预算显示除去每月固定开销之外，还有部分结余可供支配，但实际上不到月中你就已经破产，为什么呢？还不就是因为你忽视了每天都需要去就近快餐店支付的午餐费么。
Bottom line: every cent counts, so be sure to include those variable expenses down to the penny. To help you track variable spending, it may be a good idea to incorporate the envelope system. That way, your budget won’t stand a chance at failing.
建议：每分钱都很重要，所以别忘记把那些小钱也算在开销里面。要想记下纷杂的开销，不妨考虑一下信封系统。这样，你的预算绝对不会超支了。
2) Set realistic expectations.
设立现实点的期望
It never hurts to dream big, but actually making them a reality is another story. The same rule applies to budgeting: unrealistic figures will set you up for failure each and every month.
梦想再大也不为过，但要实现它就是另外一回事了。这个定理也同样适用于预算：不切实际的数据只会让你月月光。
If you know that you spend a certain amount of money each week on groceries, do not attempt to cut the number in half just for the sake of making the budget balance. Instead, make small cuts over time to build the momentum and prevent you from getting discouraged.
如果你知道每周在杂货店花多少钱，千万不要为了收支平衡来一次性缩减一半的开支。相反，你可以慢慢减少开支，这样还能让自己心情愉快。
3) Believe in yourself.
相信自己
This may sound a bit strange, but successful budgeting has a lot to do with your attitude. If you are pessimistic about the process and your inability to successfully commit to the plan from inception, you will probably fail miserably. On the other hand, if you learn to view your budget as a spending plan that will help you accomplish your current and future financial goals, you will more than likely be inclined to remain on track because there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
这个听起来有点奇怪，但成功的预算多半取决于你的态度。如果你对过程非常的消极，也觉得自己没有能力来成功的按照计划执行，你当然会输得很惨。然而，如果你把预算看成是帮你完成近期和长远经济目标的计划，你就更容易遵守，毕竟能让你看到希望呀。
4) Solicit the assistance of an accountability partner.
拉上一个会算账的伙伴。
Do not go out and ask your best buddy who agrees with everything you say and do for help. This is actually counter-productive. Instead, find someone to check-in with on a consistent basis who will be honest with you and hold you accountable for your spending habits each month.
千万别找那种你说什么都正确的朋友来帮忙，这只会起到反效果。相反，要找那种会稳扎稳打对你说实话的人，这样才会帮你坚持每个月的消费习惯。
Some even go the extra mile to hire a financial coach that is seasoned in budgeting and can provide extensive assistance with budgeting.
有的人甚至还会花钱请一个财务教练来控制预算，以提供更大的预算支持。
5) Prepare for the unexpected.
对意外支出要有心理准备。
Wouldn’t it be great to live in a world where emergencies did not exist? Wishful thinking. Unexpected occurrences are inevitable, so it is important to incorporate a little padding in your budget each month to cover those moments that completely catch you off guard. Also, stash away a little cash each month to build up that emergency fund.
怎么可能生活在一个没有意外事件的世界里呢？这只是幻想罢了。意外总是无法避免的，所以在每个月的预算中留出一部分作为意外支出很有必要，可以防止你到时候手忙脚乱。所以每个月存点钱来作为紧急基金吧。
6) Cut yourself a little slack.
给自己一点宽松的余地。
Let’s face it: sticking to a budget is hard work. That is why positive reinforcement is so important. Develop some sort of reward system for yourself that will motivate you to keep your eyes on the prize each month.
我们要知道：恪守预算实在太艰难了。所以积极的强制力十分重要。给自己设立点奖励机制，这样能鼓励你奔着奖品前进哦。
Following these tips on a consistent basis will help put your mind at ease when developing and executing your monthly spending plan.
长期坚持这些就能帮你轻松自如的指定每个月的花费预算了。
