One of those small moments that transform life happened several years ago when my accountant made the simple statement that "Your budget decides the size of your dreams." At the time, Rick had no idea what that would mean to me. We were talking about taxes or whatever, and he threw it out, and we moved on.

But I've never forgotten it.

When I teach my class on personal finances (The Road to Riches), I often hear people talk about how "hard" it is to budget at home or at work. Folks, nothing could be further from the truth!

Done right, budgets are the sexiest, most exciting, challenging and delightful documents you'll ever read!

Your budget ... tells you how much your business will grow, and how. Your budget tells you what you will learn, what equipment or skills you will add. It gives you a "sneak peak" at your marketing, your new services, your new office, your new computer, and the world you will enjoy in the future.

It also simplifies decisions about the things you will not do. It tells you, in advance, that the car does not need replacing or that there is no room for that home theater system (as wonderful as it seems in the store).

Your budget foretells the future. Along with your goals statement and the calendar on your wall, your budget is a "crystal ball" that lets you preview and celebrate 2006 in advance! Think of that! Everyone else has to wait and wonder and hope. Those poor folks don't get to celebrate in advance, but you do!

Your budget, both personal and business, describes the size of your dreams. It provides a glimpse and a map to the future. Take time to do it right.

Author: Philip T. Humbert

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Contact Philip Humbert at:
www.philiphumbert.com  or email to  Coach@philiphumbert.com