Creating a budget and deciding to stick to it is easy; it’s actually carrying through on your plan that’s the hard part. For too many people, financial responsibility ends with having good intentions and real-life gets in the way of all well-laid plans.

Bitten by the gotta-have-it bug? It could be a new spin bike that’s caught your eye, or maybe you want to spring for a new entertainment system? Before you go ahead with the purchase, though, it’s wise to take a step back and follow these steps.

If you’re always wondering how you’re going to pay the next bill, feel guilty when you indulge in overpriced treats and you just can’t find money to put into savings, you might need a budget. A budget is not a magic potion that will automatically solve all of your money problems, but it will help you gain financial awareness. That, in turn, will help facilitate more responsible decisions. Here are 6 easy steps to create a budget.