Budgeting for Savings and Long-Term Goals

If you've ever tried budgeting for the long run only to find that your best-laid plans always seem to get ruined by short-term emergencies, then you're not alone.

Unexpected things pop up that can surprise even the most dedicated budgeters.

Fortunately, there are some ways you can balance your longer-term goals – like saving for retirement or setting aside money for a new home – with practical, day-to-day obligations, like keeping up with your credit card payments and utility bills.