Okay, you've taken the time to create a budget. It has been a trying task, but you did it. Now, you must stick to it. That budget looks good on paper, but it won't help if you don't mix in a bit of good old-fashioned 'discipline' and change your spending habits. No one likes to hear that word, but it's a necessary one – especially were finances are concerned. Here are a few ways that will help even the biggest budget buster to stay within his or her limits:

• Think before you spend. Having plastic in our pocket often stops us from thinking clearly. We see something we want and immediately the phrase "Charge!" takes on a whole new meaning. Before we know it, we have dipped into the money that has been earmarked for our necessary bills. And, once it's gone, there's no way to get it back until the next payday rolls around.
• Put your credit cards away. Once they are paid off, hide them. If you carry them around with you, the temptation is much grater to use them. It's okay to keep them since you never know when an emergency will come up, but 'out of sight' will help to keep them 'out of mind.'
• 'Forget' about that raise. We are all guilty of planning our next purchase even before the raise reaches our hot little hands. Instead of using that extra money on 'stuff,' put it away in a savings account. It is an added bonus for doing a good job at work. Let it grow for awhile – away from greedy fingers.
• Put away that tax refund. Each year many of us count on a big tax refund to get ourselves out of debt once again. The problem is that we get right back into the debt hole and need to be bailed out again. Treat that tax money like a raise or a bonus and keep it safely hidden away.
• Withdraw money from the ATM once a week. If you know that you will need cash in your pocket, go to the bank once and get enough to last. When it is gone, that's it. Resist the urge to go back again for more.
• Learn to grocery-shop efficiently. This seems like an easy task, but there really is an art to getting enough food to last, especially with children. Clip coupons out of the weekend newspaper. Stock up on essentials like toilet paper, laundry detergent, soap and the like when there's a sale. Buy common food staples in bulk.
• Comparison-shop your insurance rates and utility plans. Every few years or so it's good to check around to see if you can find lower rates than what you're paying to your current providers.

Yes, sticking to a personal budget does take time and effort, and we all temporarily slip back into old habits now and again. The point is to get right back in the saddle and keep on going. If you stay the course, you will reach your debt-free future.