Budgeting is the key to feeling financially secure. It may seem like common sense but here are four main steps to making a budget. Know your Income : Your gross income is how much your boss told you you’d make. Your net income is the money left over after deductions (things like income tax, Social Security, health insurance premiums, and your 401(k)). This is the amount deposited in your bank every pay period. Set Goals : Do you want to pay off a credit card? Save up for a trip to Australia? Save up for a home? Start with one big goal and write down the magic number that corresponds with it. Fixed expenses : Calculate your fixed, necessary monthly expenses. These are your “need it” expenses that stay fixed month-to-month. That includes rent, utilities, and transportation. Tracking : For a month, break down everything you spend that’s not a fixed expense. These are your “want it” expenses. That includes clothes and travel. Be specific so you know exactly where you’...