Across North America, many young families are working hard to keep their finances in order as prices rise on all essentials from hummus, to housing.

And with a large majority of millennials reaching the age where marriage and kids begin to demand more square footage, the lack of affordability is staring to drive the major life decisions in a meaningful way.

One of the most powerful tools that we have control over is our family budget. In an effort to help maximize your income and help you reach your financial goals here are a few budgeting tips from Rachel Cruze to get you moving in the right direction.

So, let's tackle that big, hairy B-word: budgeting. It's not about keeping you from your hard-earned cash—it's about mastering it. Think of a budget as your family’s financial game plan. You're the head coach!

Dad-tastic Budgeting Tips:

1. Pre-plan your spending: Before the month starts, assign every dollar a purpose. This "zero-based budget" doesn't mean empty pockets—it means taking full control!

2. Team up: If you’re married or in a committed relationship, it’s a mandatory money huddle with your partner. Single? Get a financial buddy.

3. Every month's unique: Some months have birthdays or car repairs. Anticipate those curveballs by checking your calendar and/or carving a contingency item into your monthly budget.

4. Essentials first: Prioritize saving and the basics: grub, lights, home, and wheels, etc. If giving is a big part of your life, ensure that any donations or tithes are included as well.

5. Crush that debt: Use the Dave Ramsey debt snowball method. Your income should be fuelling your dreams, not paying off yesterday's decisions.

6. Trim it up: Tight month? Maybe you don’t need every streaming service. Those cuts can be temporary, like the infamous "summer buzz cut."

7. Automate with caution: Set bills and savings on automatic, but don’t lose track. Don't want any "uh-oh" overdraft moments.

8. Eyes on the prize: Know your 'why'. Is it for the kids' college or that dream vacation? Set goals using the SMART method.

9. Monitor your progress: Regularly review your goals. A good time? Those monthly money huddles.

10. Have a 'just in case' fund: Budget for unexpected little surprises. Not every surprise is a fun one.

11. Say bye to credit cards: If they're causing you trouble, it's time for them to go. It doesn’t matter how many points or “cash-back” perks they promise. If they’re hurting your financial wellbeing, it’s best to introduce them to your kitchen scissors.

12. Cash accountability: Overspending in certain areas? Use cold, hard cash for those categories. Using an envelope for each major spending category and filling them with cash budgeted to them may seem like overkill, but can be extremrly effective.

13. Tech it up: Try tools like EveryDollar, Mint, or other budgeting apps. It's the 21st century after all.

14. Stay in your lane: Your journey's unique. No comparing with the Joneses! It will only distract you and take you off your own course.

15. Cut yourself slack: Mistakes? You'll make 'em. Learn and keep on truckin'.

How to Budget in 5 Simple Steps:

1. Income tally: What's coming in? Salaries, side hustles—all of it.

2. Expense list: Prioritize needs then sprinkle in the wants.

3. The math part: Expenses from income should equal zero. Over or under? Adjust.

4. Keep tabs: Log every penny. That way, no dollar goes rogue.

5. New month, new budget: Stay ahead. Plan for next month now.

Irregular Income? No Sweat!: Plan with a low-earning month in mind. Prioritize essentials, and if there's more, adjust.

We hope that this helps you master your money and navigate some of the obstacles you’re facing in your financial life!