Level payments

I have found the best thing for my budget is to apply for the "level payment" or "average payment" plans through my utility companies. I am better able to anticipate how much money I should budget for a particular utility. Check your utility bills or call to see if this option is available for you. What they usually do is average the past twelve months. Your bill is usually within a few dollars every month. My electric bill is around $130/mo., and my natural gas is around $122/mo.. The other thing you can do is during the lowest bills of the year (natural gas in summer, electric in winter) look at the past twelve months and do your own averaging and set aside that amount every month for the future. This takes more discipline so I prefer to pay the company.
The other thing I do is set up payment directly so I'm never late. Some people worry about the company messing up someday when you want to stop. We have moved several times and changed long distance service several times and I've never had a problem. For me, it's worth it, especially if you are forgetful and often pay late which is bad for your credit score.