04: Prepare a Written Budget

“Well begun is half done.” … Bilbo Baggins, quoting Aristotle

“If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail!” … Benjamin Franklin

“Is there anyone here who, planning to build a new house, doesn’t first sit down and figure the cost so you’ll know if you can complete it? If you only get the foundation laid and then run out of money, you’re going to look pretty foolish. Everyone passing by will poke fun at you: ‘He started something he couldn’t finish.’”
… Luke 14:28-30 (MSG)

Begin well. Plan to win. Count the cost.

Prepare a written budget each month. Your budget is your plan for your money. You worked hard for it; don’t let it slip away for nothing.

Take each month’s income and give every dollar you earn a job.