How to Successfully Navigate the Budgeting Process

LONG BEFORE THE YOUTH OF TODAY BECAME INTERESTED IN HUNTING BULBASAUR, BUTTERFREE, PIDGEY OR PIKACHU WHILE PLAYING POKÉMON GO, KIDS AT PARTIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY WERE TRYING DILIGENTLY TO HIT THE MARK IN THE GAME PIN THE TAIL

By Mark Stelter, Itasca Bank & Trust Co.

ON THE DONKEY. Actually, the origins of Pin the Tail go all the way back to 1899, but the basic strategy for being successful at the game has never changed and is rather simple. After looking at a picture of the donkey on the wall, the participant is blindfolded, spun around once and left to decide where to place the “tail” with the goal of being the closest when compared to the other participants. The primary skills required for being successful in the game are a good memory and, the abilities to remain focused and take very deliberate action. The same skills mirror closely what it takes to be successful in creating the annual budget for a community association; an exercise that has real dollar implications and can affect both household budgets and property values.

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