Effectiveness Tip of the Week via email from the folks at FranklinCovey:

Finances -- Let's Get Personal

You've got places to go, people to see, and things to do -- in other words, lots of bills. Show me the money! Do you know where every cent is spent? Money doesn't grow on trees, you know! Spare no expense in getting your personal finances in order. Here are a few tips:

• Time is money. In your planning device, schedule a daily or weekly appointment with yourself to balance the books. This is a good time to identify spending patterns and make necessary corrections.
• Budget constraints. Set up a monthly budget and stick to it. There are great computer programs like Quicken© and Microsoft© Money that'll do most of the work for you. Remember to include savings and a personal budget for you and only you.
• Adjust as you go. Don't throw in the towel when your budget's in the red. It's an indication that you may be living beyond your means in some areas, and adjustments should be made (or else it's time for a raise)!

Controlling personal finances -- common cents. (Pun intended, ahem.)