We’ve all been there – we swear we are going to make a reasonable, manageable and livable budget. And then we swear we’re going to live by it. Forever.

But the best laid plans of mice and men…

When we don’t live within our budgeted means, we feel as if we’re being attacked. In fact, however, a realistic budget is the best weapon against overspending, if done right. A budget allows you to get a handle on the flow of your money — how much is coming in and where it goes out. With that information in hand, you can make intelligent choices about how to spend.

Here’s a quick, simple checklist that will help you to stick to your budget – whether it’s for your small business or personal life — so you can truly live and prosper.

Tip 1: Be Honest With Your Budget
Whether you’re new at budgeting or an old pro, make sure you’re being honest about what falls into your budget categories. Here are some tips to double-check that the figures you’ve been working with are an accurate representation of what’s going on:

1. Determine the categories into which your expenses fall and list those categories of expenses down the left side of a piece of paper (or Excel spreadsheet).
2. On the sheets containing your list of categories, make 13 columns. Label the first one “projected” and the remaining 12 with the months of the year. Unless today is the first of the month, start with next month.
3. Using your total actual expenses for the month you tracked and the other expenses you added, project your monthly expenses for the categories you’ve listed.
4. Enter your projected monthly expenses into the “projected” column of your budget sheets.
5. Add up all projected monthly expenses and enter the total into a “Total Expenses” category at the bottom of the projected column.
6. Enter your projected monthly income below your total projected expenses.
7. Figure out the difference.

If your expenses exceed your income, you will have to cut expenses or increase your income. Rather than berate yourself, review your expenses with an eye toward reducing.

Tip 2: Do an Exercise in Simplicity
Try making a list of things you feel you can’t live without, and whittle down your other expenses to accommodate them. For example, you may decide to give up most of your magazine and newspaper subscriptions because you know you’d go nuts if you couldn’t go to the movies once a week. If you make room for at least some of the things you love most, you’re much more likely to succeed at your plan.

Tip 3: Get a Buddy
You are certainly not the only person who struggles with sticking to a budget. Get a buddy who is in the same boat to meet monthly and you both might be able to point out where the other can cut back, adjust or just plain manage better. Make sure that this is someone you trust, as issues of money can often be wrought with emotion for many.

Don’t think of your budget as etched in stone. If you do, and you spend more on an item than you’ve budgeted, you’ll only find yourself frustrated. Use your budget as a guide. Check your figures periodically to keep an eye on how you’re doing. Think about what you value, and be honest with yourself.