The Consumer’s Almanac
• Organize your financial life
• Plan for the future
• Manage your credit wisely
T
his is the fifth edition of
the Consumer’s Almanac.
Many people have used the
Consumer’s Almanac to help
organize their daily lives and man-
age their money. It’s a useful tool
no matter what your financial sit-
uation may be.
It’s a well documented fact of
life that many people simply
don’t manage their money. The
emotional meanings that people
may attach to money can hinder
clear thought and rational action
in times of financial stress. An
orderly and detailed accounting
of your income, savings, living
expenses, and credit obligations
can help you manage your money
more efficiently.
The Consumer’s Almanac
will help you gain control of your
financial situation by:
1. Organizing your income,
savings, living expenses, and
credit obligations so that you
are in a win-win situation.
2. Meeting your future needs
through saving and invest-
ment.
3. Incorporating your long-
range goals into the budget-
ing process.
4. Managing your credit
wisely.
Monthly Calendar Page
Annual Income, Savings, and Expenses Chart
What Is The Consumer’s Almanac?The purpose of this chart, pages 14-17, is to help you plan ahead. Fill it in so you can anticipate and plan ahead
for your income, savings, and expenses. You may find it helpful to use last year’s bills, receipts, and checking
account information to complete this form.
◆ List your projected income, savings, and expenses for the year. For example, your rent or mortgage will be a
fixed amount each month, so you can go ahead and enter that for the entire year. Other expenses, such as
insurance premiums, may be paid once or twice a year.
◆ Fill in the date block for each month starting on page 5.
◆ Transfer the estimated amounts from the Annual Income,
Savings and Expense Chart to the appropriate month and date
starting on page 5.
By now you’ve noticed the side tables on your monthly
calendar pages. The purpose of these side tables is to help
you control your income