Stephanie Butts chooses a low-tech method of watching her family’s expenses, but her old-fashioned methods have worked for 20 years.

&uot;It’s just notebook paper and pen; it’s very primitive,&uot; she said, explaining the routine she follows every month.

&uot;I have a little box where I keep all the bills to be paid; I have the calculator, stamps and envelopes there, too.&uot;

At bill-paying time, she takes out her list and marks off as she writes checks for the family’s regular monthly needs.

Managing the household budget has become second-nature for Stephanie, a former teacher who now works part time as director of Christian education at First Presbyterian Church.

Her husband, Russell Butts, is an investment representative for Edward Jones. He takes care of the other family financial affairs.

From the year they married two decades ago, the couple decided to watch their family finances carefully, Russell said.

&uot;We’re not penny pinchers. We’re committed as a couple to maintain a nice lifestyle but to spend within reason.&uot;

As their three children came along, they made adjustments in their budgets, making plans for years when expenses would rise.

Today expenses certainly have increased, Stephanie said, as Russ is now 16; Hayden is 13; and Molly is 10.

Because of their caution in spending, they find they’re better prepared when unexpected costs eat into the monthly expenses.

&uot;Having a budget keeps us centered as a family,&uot; Stephanie said. &uot;It’s so easy to get caught up in spending too much.&uot;

Budgeting and giving the children allowances according to their age and needs helps to train the youngsters in money management, too.

&uot;And I think they learn about money through our example,&uot; she said.

As a professional in the finance world, Russell perhaps has an edge as head of a household.

He has some standard advice for families who seek financial counseling. &uot;First, you should get into the habit of paying yourself first,&uot; he said.

&uot;Even if it is $25 a month, you should start a savings and investments program right away.

&uot;So many people think they have to get to a certain point before they start to invest,&uot; he said.

&uot;But you can forego one Coke a day and make an investment instead. Whatever the size of the investment, it can change lives and generations.&uot;

He also makes these suggestions:

Have emergency cash available.

Think long-term even when you’re young.

Follow basic guidelines when buying a home; take the debt you’ll accrue into account.

Don’t spend more than you make.

Have the right insurance.

Stephanie and Russell decided long ago not to use credit cards. Instead, they have a debit card.

&uot;We pay as we go, and so we do not incur any interest,&uot; he said.

The family has become accustomed to waiting for special purchases, Stephanie said.

&uot;We think we better appreciate the value of money when we wait for things, planning ahead for them.&uot;

Russell said he has seen money problems put terrible strains on families.

&uot;I had some good advice a long time ago, and it’s still good today: It’s not the deals you don’t get into that will hurt you.&uot;

From an investments standpoint, Russell said, these are some guidelines he suggests:

Invest for the long term.

Buy quality investments.

Diversify. Do not put all your eggs in the same basket.

Seek professional advice.