If choosing a medium instead of the large McDonald's meal was the last time you tried budgeting, you probably hate budgets. But why do we hate them? What did a budget ever do to us – beyond keeping you from eating, buying, and doing what we want – probably nothing. However, a budget, when properly followed, doesn't have to be a burden or a sacrifice. If you want to save a little money, try the following tips on for size and learn how to start a budget today.

• Don't go cold turkey. Instead of eliminating things you enjoy completely, try limiting your discretionary purchases to a few times a week instead of on a daily basis. Just like quitting any habit, you need to develop a comfortable routine, and that takes time. By easing into your new lifestyle, you're less likely to get frustrated and give up.
• Calculate your actual total income. This is the money you make each month after taxes and health insurance are taken out. Don't count any money you think you'll make or any jobs you hope you'll pick up. Only count the actual amount you make monthly.
• Subtract your necessary expenses. Rent, water, electricity, car payments, and insurance payments are necessities. If you don't pay them, there is an incredibly costly penalty. These bills should always be paid first.
• Subtract the rest of your necessary expenses. Food is cheaper, and healthier, when you buy it at a grocery store and prepare it yourself. On average, estimate $2 per person per meal. In a two-person household, at three meals a day, and seven days a week, that's $360 a month spent on food. Round that up to $400 to make sure you estimated enough. Gasoline, on the other hand, can be estimated more closely if you use this formula: your car's miles per gallon X miles driven in a day X 30.
• Start by shopping once a month instead of once a week. Make a shopping list and stick to it. By shopping only once a month, you'll be forced to think in advance about what you need and to buy long-lasting products instead of quick, fast-spoiling food. In addition, you'll spend less on groceries if you buy in bulk for an entire month.
• Be more creative with entertainment. Take a break from spending money on video games, DVDs, trips to the movie theater, and a new toy every time you go to the store with your kids. Instead, fall back on things you already pay for or have, such as regular old TV, books, and toys at home. Also, check your local library for free DVD rentals, books, and games. You'll be surprised at how much you can save in just a few months.
• Treat yourself. Once you've started cutting down on expensive purchases for things like food, apparel and entertainment, start rewarding yourself once a week. Don't go overboard and spend more than you saved in a week's time. Instead, give yourself a well-deserved, fairly inexpensive, once-a-week treat towards something you've been limiting on a daily basis.
• Try to start saving a little from each paycheck. The best way to avoid using credit cards or payday loans for the things you need most is to have a savings account. The important thing to remember is to pay yourself first. Ideally, you’ll want to put 10 percent of your paycheck into a savings account. Once it's in there, don't touch it! Start by saving just $20 a week. Can't do it? Think again. That sandwich you just bought? There's six dollars right there. Replace three meals out with three more dining in at home and you've met your goal. If you can't give up your prized pastrami on rye, apply it to other expenditures that you don't technically need every day.
• What's left? Put the remainder of your check towards your debts. It’s ok to save a little extra in order to treat yourself to a nice dinner out –just not every week!
• Stick with it. The only way this budget becomes a permanent fixation in your life is if you make a priority to review it often – at least monthly, but preferably weekly – making small adjustments as you learn your actual monthly numbers. If nothing else, frequent review is a good way to keep the budget fresh in your mind.

How to Handle Unexpected Expenses

Every Situation is Different. One way to make this kind of budget stick is to review it monthly, making small adjustments as you learn your actual monthly numbers. Plus, reviewing is a good way to keep the budget fresh in your mind

There are lots of ways to save money, and all the little bits add up. Buy store brand groceries and beauty products instead of name-brand. Use public transportation as often as possible. Take your lunch to work. Cut out the extra things (like soy lattes and going to movies at the theater), and put the money you would have spent in a jar to use for groceries or other necessary things.

Use your online banking options instead of writing checks whenever possible. By transferring money directly out of your account or paying bills directly from your account, there is no guessing game about when a check will be cashed

These tips can help you get your finances under control; properly decide where your money goes, and even help pay off your debts. But there are many different ways to save money, and all the little changes you make can add up:

• Buy store brand groceries and beauty products instead of name-brand
• Use public transportation as often as possible
• Take your lunch to work
• Cut out the extra things – like soy lattes and going to the movie theater
• Put the money you would have spent in a jar to use for emergencies

When Emergencies Arise

Hopefully the money you’ve saved will cover that surprise expense, but financial emergencies can strike at any moment and are impossible to prepare for. It's important to have a clear course of action when emergencies do arise so you don't get deeper into financial trouble. Here are some easy ways you can prepare for those unexpected expenses:

• Compare the Bill with Your Current Income. It's easy to start panicking when faced with an unexpected medical emergency, car repair, or household expense. Before you start worrying about how you'll pay for it, first calculate how much money you'll need to pay it off. Then, figure out how much you'll need to take out of each paycheck until you’ve paid it off.
• Get a Personal Loan from Family or Friends. Before you put a huge balance on your credit card or look into getting a cash advance, first petition your friends and family for a small cash loan. If they're in a position to help, don't be embarrassed to ask for a little help. Exhaust all options close to you before you decide to go outside of your network. Be mindful when borrowing a personal loan to repay it within a reasonable timeframe. You don't want your money troubles to affect your relationships and cause unnecessary friction.
• Use a Cash Advance Sparingly. If an unexpected emergency has exhausted all your resources and you just can't seem to find another way to cope, use online cash advances to bridge the gap between your paychecks. When used correctly, cash advances can be a short-term solution for easy credit.