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When you try to stick to a budget those unexpected expenses can keep you off track. The best way to handle these expenses is to plan ahead for them. We can’t plan for everything but if we try to pay attention we can certainly have most things covered.

When planning your budget in 2010 make sure you consider the following items. These are easily over looked expenses that most people don’t properly plan for.

1. Auto Expenses:

Think breakdown, new tires, oil changes, inspection, taxes, parking tickets.

2. School costs:

Even if your kids go to public school things come up throughout the year. Private school is a whole different situation.

3. Home repairs:

If you own your home you have to expect things to break. Remember the dishwasher, air conditioner, washing machine etc…

4. Vacation:

Easy to forget in your budget because for most people it’s a once a year event. Set your vacation budget ahead of time.

5. Gifts:

We all give gifts for birthdays, weddings and Christmas. Try to think ahead of who you might buy gifts for this year.

6. Clothes:

Clothing is easy to forget because it’s not something you need to buy every month. Remember to include everything from underwear to socks to that new suit you have your eye on.

7. Donations:

As Christmas is approaching you are probably even more aware of the opportunities you have to give. We should all be giving a portion of our income to those in need but make sure you include it in your monthly spending. Even if you are going to give it all at once at the end of the year start putting away a little bit each month.