A budget(预算) is a spending plan. It can help you spend money wisely. It can do this by cutting out wasteful spending. Of course, preparing a budget takes planning,, and following a budget takes will power. Your budget should meet your family' s needs and income.
The first step in creating a budget is to set your goals. What does your family need and want? You must know this to work out the details of the budget. Keep goals realistic, in terms of income available. Then decide which goals are the most important.
The next step is estimating family income. Before you can plan wisely, you need to know how much money you have to spend ! Write down all the money you expect to receive ( wages, savings, interest, etc. ) during the planned budget period.
After you have calculated how much money will be available, it is time to estimate expenses. List all of your family expenses.
If you are not satisfied with what you got for your money, look carefully at your spending. Studying your records will show where overspending has occurred. It will also point out poor buying habits.
It is also a good idea to set aside a small amount of money for emergencies. Every family has small emergencies: a blown tire, a broken device, or the need for minor medical care.
One advantage of keeping a record of your spending is that ______.

A.you will remember how much you have already spent

B.you will know if you have spent more money than you planned

C.you will be able to tell your family what should not be bought

D.you will learn how to make a better budget next time