 TITLE: How Much Should You Spend on a Wedding Gift? CONTENT: Stay True to Your Budget\n------------------------\nWhether you plan to earmark $50 or $250 for a wedding gift, take a look at your overall budget before making a purchase. You don't want to spoil the happy day by spending beyond your means on a wedding gift.\nIf you go overboard, you might add to the debt you already have or might take on brand-new debt. It's particularly important to review your budget so that you don't wind up with more credit card debt than you can handle.\nIf you don't have a household budget, it's pretty simple to create a spending plan. Here are four key steps:\n1.  Figure out your income (after taxes).\n2.  Add up and categorize your expenses.\n3.  Set realistic spending goals.\n4.  Monitor your spending.\nIf you already have a free Experian account or sign up for one, you can track your expenses through the Personal Finances tool. You also can rely on budget apps such as Goodbudget, Mint and You Need a Budget (YNAB). Regardless of how you track your budget, it's critical to stick as closely to it as possible, and adjust if necessary. A budget will do you no good if you don't heed the guidelines you've set for yourself. END