American families are now going through an economic crisis that hasn’t been felt since the 1980’s. It is more and more important to keep everyone in the family budget plan on track. Having a family budget plan meeting to discuss the financial health of the family is stressful and difficult. The reaction, however, you will get from everyone will be that of understanding. Ultimately, a family budget meeting will be more beneficial than you think!
8 Topics to Cover for the Family Budget Plan
- Calendar. Coordinate every person’s schedule on one calendar, such as sports, parties, events, and after school activities. Carpool to save money on gas.
- Holidays. Decide on where you want to go and budget the costs.
- Finances. Discuss the finances in general, including bills, allowances, and spending money.
- Budget. Come up with ways to cut spending. Clip coupons, shop at discount stores for food and clothing, trim your electric bills by monitoring your lights and cooling-heating habits, rethink your cellphone and cable plans, or eliminate beauty salon visits or go visit less expensive ones. Get creative ideas from family members.
- Future needs. Plan for new clothes, events (proms, graduation etc), gifts, celebrations, and holidays well in advance. This stops the shocking, unexpected expenses that can really damage your budget.
- Creative ideas for income.
- Rent out your garage. Rent out storage space on your property, such as your garage, basement, or attic, for extra money.
- Rent out a room. If you have an extra room that is not in use and you feel comfortable renting it out, consider charging people, such as airline staff who are tired of staying at hotels or traveling business people, to rent the room.
- Neighborhood home maintenance. Offering cleaning services, such as washing windows or car care, can help you earn extra cash.
- Canning. Canning fruits or veggies is a great family activity creating memories, and you can give them as special gifts or sell them as unique gifts.
- Baked goods. Do you have some accomplished bakers in your family? Baking bread, cakes, brownies, cheese straws or cookies to sell could help you make extra money.
- Babysitting service. Babysitting children, looking after elders, or caring for animals can help you earn extra income.
- Part-time job. Some of the older children may get a part time job after school or on the weekends.
- Closing comments. Ask if there are any other issues your family needs to talk about.
- Snack time. End meeting with a tasty snack such as fruit and cookies.