Personal finance coach Dave Ramsey helps folks get out of debt and build wealth with books like The Total Money Makeover, classes, and other programs. For the new year, he's offering a free budgeting guide chock full of both budgeting basics and more advanced tips.


The 17-page PDF starts with why and how to create a zero-based budget and use the envelope budgeting method. Even if you're already a budgeting master, you'll likely find some interesting ideas for some complex money situations.

Build your zero-based budget The Getting Finances Done weblog has a great post explaining how to set up and implement a… Read more


For example, if you have a small emergency ($50 or $100, for example), should you use your regular cash flow to pay for it or dip into your rainy day fund? Ramsey's guide offers this suggestion:

Here's a good rule of thumb for determining if you can cash flow an emergency or if you need to dip into your rainy day fund: If you can cut up to 10% off items in your budget to pay for something that comes up, then cash flow it. Otherwise, go for the savings.

How do you create a budget and manage your money if you have irregular income? Ramsey suggests creating a prioritized spending plan and each month draw a line at the place in the prioritized list where the money ran out. He also recommends setting up a "hill-and-valley fund" with extra money to cover monthly expenses during the lean times.

There are examples for just about every common situation, such as when you're paid weekly versus biweekly and if you're a single parent or need to budget as a couple.


You can download this practical guide from the link below or get more tips from Dave Ramsey's blog.


Dave Ramsey's Guide to Budgeting (PDF) | Dave Ramsey