Christine Parker: Hi! I am Christine Parker. I am a financial planner and member of the Financial Planning Association. Today, I am going to talk about creating a budget from calculating your income and expenses to reducing your debt. I will walk you through the process and discuss each step in detail.

First, I'll discuss the definition of a budget. Budgeting can be a very rewarding process, particularly when it relieves the stress that comes from worrying about how to make ends meet. It also frees up cash to put toward goals that will improve your life.

Next, I'll discuss how to calculate your income and expenses. To create a budget you will need these two pieces of information. Then, I will discuss taking financial control and trimming expenses. You may find the very process of creating a budget will raise your awareness of your spending habits and prompt you to make changes.

Finally, I'll talk about reducing your debt. Many people have a hard time sticking to a budget or struggle to keep their spending under control and are burdened with debt that saps their cash. Until they get rid of the debt, their financial goals will be on hold.

My goal today is to provide the information and the motivation you need to create a budget. Actually, I prefer to call it a spending plan that will help you live within your means, get out of debt, and save for the future.

Before we get started, let me tell you a little bit about the Financial Planning Association. The Financial Planning Association connects those who need support and deliver financial planning. We provide a variety of educational resources, tools, and services, to help you discover the value of financial planning, and to help you achieve your goals and dreams. Our destiny is to help create a world where everyone thrives and prospers. So let's get started with some tips on creating a budget.