(The Calculators / Financial Tools supplied by your Financial Planner on this website include one of the best budgeting tools available and are another service supplied to help you gain an understanding of your financial position that you and your Planner can build on into the future).

If you've heard it once, you've heard it a thousand times: BUDGET YOUR MONEY! Financial experts and money advisors have been shouting this mantra from the mountaintops for countless years.

By now, you're probably sick of hearing the "b" word. Too bad. This is just one of those financial lessons that cannot be preached enough - especially in this tough economy, where job losses are rampant, home values are in the toilet and wallets are tight, budgeting is more important than ever. If you and your family want financial security, following a budget is the only answer.

Still not convinced? Here are six darn good reasons why everyone should create and stick to a budget:

1. It helps you keep your eye on the prize.
A budget helps you figure out your long-term goals and work towards them. If you just drift aimlessly through life and toss your money at every pretty, shiny object that happens to catch your eye, how will you ever save up enough money to buy a car, take that trip to Aruba or put a down payment on a house?

A budget forces you to map out your goals, save your money, keep track of your progress and make your dreams a reality. So, it may stink when you realize that brand new shoot 'em up Xbox game or the gorgeous cashmere sweater in the store window doesn't fit into your budget. But when you remind yourself that you're saving up for a new house or graduate school, it will be much easier to turn around and walk out of the store empty-handed.

2. It ensures you don't spend money you don't have.
Far too many consumers spend money they don't have, and we can owe it all to credit cards. As a matter of fact, 13 million of Britain's credit card holders do not pay off their debt in full each month. These debtors carry an average debt of around £5,000. On top of that, there are more credit cards in the U.K. than there are people, according to APACS. At the end of 2007, there were 73 million credit and charge cards in the U.K. compared with around 60 million people in the country.

Before the age of plastic, people knew if they were living within their means. At the end of the month, if they had enough money left to pay the bills and sock some away in savings, they were on track. These days, people who overuse and abuse credit cards don't always realize they're overspending until they're drowning in debt.

However, if you create and stick to a budget, you'll never find yourself in this precarious position. You'll know exactly how much money you earn, how much you can afford to spend each month and how much you need to save. Sure, crunching numbers and keeping track of a budget isn't nearly as much fun as going on a shameless shopping spree with your credit card. But look at it this way: when your spend-happy friends are making an appointment with a debt counselor this time next year, you'll be jetting off for that Hawaiian adventure you've been saving for, or better yet, moving into your new home.

3. It leads to a happy retirement.
Let's say you spend your money responsibly, follow your budget to a "T" and never carry credit card debt. Good for you! But aren't you forgetting something? As important as it is to spend your money wisely today, it's also critical to save for your future.

A budget can help you do just that. It's important to build retirement contributions into your budget. The Pension may not provide you with enough income to give you the kind of fabulous retirement lifestyle you desire.  If you are already a member of your employer's scheme, you might be able to make additional contributions to boost your pension.

If you set aside a portion of your earnings each month to donate to a pension scheme, you'll eventually build up a nice, fat nest egg. Although you may have to sacrifice a little now, it will be well worth it down the road. After all, would you rather spend your retirement golfing and going on tropical holidays or working as a supermarket store greeter to make ends meet? Exactly.

4. It helps you prepare for emergencies.
Life is filled with unexpected "surprises," some better than others. When you get laid off, become sick or injured, go through a divorce or have a death in the family, it can lead to some serious financial turmoil. Of course, it seems like these emergencies always arise at the worst possible time when you're already strapped for cash. This is exactly why everyone needs an emergency fund.

Your budget should include an emergency fund that consists of at least three to six months worth of living expenses. This extra money will ensure that you don't spiral into the depths of debt after a life crisis. Of course, it will take time to save up three to six months' worth of living expenses. Don't try to dump the majority of your paycheck into your emergency fund right away. Build it into your budget, set realistic goals and start small. Even if you put just $50-100 aside each week, your emergency fund will slowly build up.

5. It sheds light on bad spending habits.
Building a budget forces you to take a close look at your spending habits. You may notice that you're spending money on things you don't need. Do you honestly watch all 500 channels on your costly cable plan? Do you really need 60 pairs of black high heels? Budgeting allows you to rethink your spending habits and re-focus your financial goals.

6. It's better than counting sheep.
Following a budget will also help you catch more shut eye. How many nights have you tossed and turned worrying about how you were going to pay the bills? People who lose sleep over financial issues are allowing their money to control them. Take control. It's as easy as building and sticking to a budget. When you budget your money wisely, you'll never lose sleep over financial issues again.

Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg. There are countless other advantages to following a budget. So what are you waiting for? Time to get to budgeting!

By CompareShares.com.au – for more articles like this click here.
CompareShares.com.au is Australia’s pre-eminent news and investing site for investors and traders, covering shares, superannuation, property, financial planning strategies and more.