You are probably tired of hearing the word “budget,” and how Congress is handling our nation’s money, and how the budget cuts will be affecting us as military families. The future feels very uncertain, and we might feel out of control if this is where we mainly put our focus.

What is being done to military families is unfair and unjust, a solemn promise to service members that has been broken. This gives us even more of a reason to take charge of our destiny, no matter what might be done to us. This is one reason why I wanted to write a personal finance and budgeting series here at Army Wife Network called “Finding Financial Freedom.”

Let’s start with budgeting.

What are some personal benefits to budgeting?

Here are just a few:

1. You have clear visibility on your income and expenses. Our service members don’t go on a mission without having proper visibility and a COA (course of action). It should be the same for our financial lives.

2. You create more unity with your spouse. Creating a budget requires good communication between partners. One person may be more inclined to do the detailed work of designing the budget each month, but each partner gets an equal vote on how funds are allocated. This takes teamwork!

3. You are prepared for emergencies and the future. Times are turbulent, especially living military life. Even though your service member may be planning on taking retirement, nothing is a guarantee. By planning for unexpected events and the distant (or not-so-distant) future, you mitigate risk.

4. You can more easily reach your goals. If your money is clearly outlined, you have a better idea of how your financial picture influences setting and achieving life goals.

5. You gain a sense of empowerment and control. This is your budget. It isn’t anyone else’s—not the military’s, not Congress’s, not your neighbor’s, who thinks she knows it all. You control how you spend, save, invest, and donate your money.

What are some other benefits that you have experienced—or think you could experience—by making a personal finance budget? Share with us!