Family Finances

     Whether you're a two parent, one parent or just a single person family, we all have to deal with money.  The question isn't do I have enough to get by right now, but how well are you managing your money for the future.  I know many people struggle with money and being able to budget wisely, so I will be giving some pointers and steps you can look at to see how you're doing and what you can improve on.
Giving Money
     First off, if you're religious are you paying contributions to your church, or for some people call it tithing.  Even if you're not religious, are you paying money to some kind of charity or someplace that's in need.  According to Dave Ramsey, "Not only does giving of your money or other resources generate good in the lives of others, but it also generates contentment in your heart." I would also say from a religious point, that when I'm paying money to tithing, that somehow my money stretches more and I'm more aware of how much money I have.  
Manage Money Together
     Next, both partners should discuss and learn how to manage their money together.  Creating an attitude of openness and trust, both having an equal say in how the money is spent.  This will probably mean learning to compromise and being willing to cut back on things you don't need to spend much money on.  This will require learning self-discipline and self-restraint.  Meaning that you should look at realistic goals and make a determination and good plan to save up for these goals.  You might need to learn how to say no to making purchases you don't need or at least cutting back.  It's easy to buy things now on credit, but you pay for that credit over the long run.  According to the Federal Reserve in 2016 total U.S. outstanding consumer debt was $3.62 trillion.  So, free money, isn't really free.  Learn to pay off debt as soon as possible, starting with the smallest amount and working your way up.  Also, it's much better to save up for items, such as cars and be able to pay in cash.  This means planning and saving a small amount over a set period of time. 
Make a Budget
     One of the most important steps, is after you have made up your goals, you need to make a budget.  Carefully look at each months checkbook and banking statement.  Look at how much income you have each month and look at expenditures, then try to look at how much you can put into savings and investing.  Dave Ramsey recommends building up a $1,000 savings, for emergencies.  That way when something comes up, you don't have to go into debt or use a credit card.  If you're worried about making a budget, don't worry this is the step that will help you start to get your money matters under control and help you start on a path to a happier future.  It took my husband and I, a few months to really start to see how much is reasonable in a budget for different categories and how much we can reasonably save, so be patient.
Children 
     Need to teach your children early the importance of working and earning.  One of the best things you can do for your kids is to teach them to work and how to handle money properly.  To me, this means having chores and giving service.  There could be special chores that you could give them money for and be willing to help them find opportunities to work for others.  When I was growing up I was given money for weeding the dandelions in the lawn and made money babysitting.  My brothers earned money through doing yard work for neighbors.  One important aspect of money is to teach children how to save, but by helping them save for specific things such as college, a car, a special toy that they want, etc.  Teach them how to budget, what the family financial position is and have them help decide investment goals, such as a family vacation or something fun to do.  Do fun, inexpensive activities to help save up for those goals, such as making homemade play dough, playing games you already have, making simple goodies, going outside and having a picnic, etc.  Also, you can have them help contribute to saving up for the goal by doing outside work or working for someone else together.
Education
     When it comes to education, try to gain as much as you can.  This could be trade school, a formal education or just learning different skills through self-help books or a community college class.  Also, learn how to do basic homemaking skills or auto repair and home repair skills, which can help you save money.  Also, involve your kids when possible, by teaching them skills such as cooking, cleaning, or whatever skills you have.  Teach them how important an education is and how it can help them in the future.
Homes
     If you want to buy a home, look at ones you can afford.  Improve the home through landscaping and do it yourself projects in the home.  Then when you sell it, you can hopefully make more money and be able to afford a better home that suits the needs of your family.  Or you can also use homes as an investment, if you think it's a good fit for you.
Insurance
     Make sure you have sufficient insurance in medical, automobile, homeowner's insurance and adequate life insurance, that meet your needs. This will help you prevent financial burdens.  If you don't have it right now and don't have much money here's a link to the government's insurance- https://www.healthcare.gov/.  This also helps you save money on taxes, since you now pay a fee, if you don't have health insurance.   
Finances
     Make sure you understand the external influences on finances and investments.  For instance, make sure you know how much inflation costs are.  If you bring more money in and inflation goes up, you might not have as much money as you think.  Have a good retirement plan, you can do this by going to a financial advisor, which can be free if you look.  Could even start by asking your bank for some information and they could probably point you in the right direction.  Also, take advantage of employee 401k plans and any kinds of insurance plans they provide, which will usually be discounted.  If you don't understand much about finances, take a college course or read a book about it.  The book I'm using to learn is called Personal Finance by E. Thomas Garman and Raymond E. Forgue, 12e version.  It's pretty well written and has helped me learn a lot.
Emergency Preparedness
     Start to accumulate food storage and emergency supplies.  This doesn't mean going into debt, it means making a plan that's right for you.  For instance, when something is on sale like noodles, that you normally buy, just get a few more.  This way by buying things you already need, you begin to have extra and this can help a lot if an emergency happens.  Also, saving up 3-6 months worth of savings in case of an emergency, like being laid off from a job or a medical emergency that your insurance doesn't cover completely.  Planting a garden and canning can be a great way to reduce grocery costs and to bring more food to your food storage.  Another important thing is to exercise and eat well, to keep healthy and help prevent medical costs.
My Thoughts 
     I know I covered a lot of things, but the important thing is to start with one thing and go on from there.  For instance, I would probably start with a budget, which would help me see what I can change and where I'm at right now.  Then, since it's summer, if some kind of fruit goes on sale I could buy a good amount and can it or freeze it.  Overall, I know that all of these areas are important and that we can all improve and help make a better future for ourselves, even if that just starts with more peace of mind and understanding.  What will you start to do, to improve your finances?  What are some tips that have worked for you or helped someone else?

Below is a link to the pamphlet I took most of the information from.
One for the Money Guide to Family Finance

Below is a link to Dave Ramsey's 7 Baby Steps, which has been part of what I've been learning in my Money Management class.  I highly suggest watching this and taking it seriously, my husband and I have been following his steps. Dave Ramsey is very successful financially and knows what he's talking about.
Dave Ramsey 7 Baby Steps for Super Savings

Below is a link to a great article from a woman who went from working to being a stay at home mom and how they were able to go from a dual income to a single.  She also wrote a book called "Living Well on Less in a Tough Economy."
How to Downsize from Dual to Single Income