If you want basic stuff, then consider checking out Dave Ramsey and/or Ric Edelman. Both of these guys have books and give seminars.

You know, simple stuff but a lot depends on your situation:

-Eat out rarely and take a bit of time to cook from scratch…. usually the number one thing in making a budget.
-Look at every bill you have. Phone (home) bills are always way up on the list. They slowly add things or keep your long distance rate super high since most don’t look. If you have a cell with free nights and weekends why even have long distance. Cable TV – any movie channels can go. Netflicks can give you more movies than you can watch…. at the price of 3 rentals.
-The car……. you can always get cheaper insurance if you look around or tell your company you wish to switch. Or have your car serviced. A simple tuneup or having the fuel injction checked can save hundreds a month.

This gives you a start….. trim the fat and examine where your money goes FIRST. Then you make lists and a budget.

In Santa Clarita, there is Total Money School. I have attended their courses and they are pretty good. Cost is small, depending on the course you attend. Maybe $50-$100 per course and they can be half-day to two days on the weekend.

If you have some other questions that you would like a quick answer on you can email me at

You can also read a very thorough article on personal finance at

Be blessed,