Budgeting Your Way to Luxury Does a budget make you shudder? After all, doesn't it mean to cut back, sacrifice, and do without? Actually "to budget" means "to plan or schedule." So instead of cringing when someone tells you to budget your finances, think of it this way: If you plan well today, you will be able to enjoy some of your important financial goals in the future. So what are your future financial goals? They might include big-ticket items such as a ski trip, a new stereo, a car, or even a college education. Along the way to achieving those goals, you will be able to afford other smaller prizes, such as that new coat you've wanted or a special gift for someone. 27. a. What kinds of expenses do you have? b. Which of your family's expenses are the same (or fixed) expenses each month? c. Which expenses change (or are variable)? d. Where do you think you can trim expenses most easily?