Spending intentionally is the key to a successful spending plan, aka a budget. Be generally frugal and selectively extravagant. Figure out what you really value, and spend your money on that guilt-free. This is called intentional spending. Steps to Intentional Spending Here are some tips to help you do this. #1 Figure Out Where Your Money Is Going The first thing anyone should do when they are interested in figuring out their finances is to find out where they stand. This includes calculating your income (easily found on your Form 1040) and net worth (everything you own minus everything you owe). Adding up your debts might require pouring a stiff drink first! Most importantly, you've got to figure out which way you're going on the financial escalator of life. Are you going up (earning more than you're spending), or are you going backward down the escalator as you're failing to walk faster (earning) than the escalator is moving (spending)?…