A budget is a spending plan for your money that balances your expenses with your income
and helps you make conscious decisions about how you spend your money.
Gain control of your finances with a budget. A budget helps you determine how much of what you make you keep. It is the best way to make sure you have enough money for the things you need and reach both your financial and life goals.
You have to know what you have coming in to know how much you can have going out. Two important elements that make up a budget are income and expenses.
The first step to every budget is to know your monthly net spendable income. This is your take home pay after any taxes and/or automatic deductions.
The second step is to list your expenses. This includes:
Start by pulling your bank statements for the past two months and go through each check or debit line by line. Then download this worksheet and plug in your spending.
Once you have accurate amounts for every dollar that comes in and out, it is simple math. Take your total income and subtract your expenses.
If you find that you have a shortage and are spending more than you make, increase your income or cut your spending. If increasing your income isn't an option, identify where you can cut your spending with expenses that may not be necessary.
Look for Leaks!
Whether you have a shortage or a surplus, it's important to re-evaluate your spending habits and look for ways to save. Dupaco's free Money Makeover can help you identify opportunities where you can pay less and save more.
Pay Yourself First
YOU are as important as the utilities or your landlord. Make yourself a priority now by paying yourself first. Before you pay your bills or buy groceries, set aside a portion of your income to save. It will help you resist the temptation of skipping savings and help you stick to your budget by not spending money on other things. It's okay to start small, even just $5 or $10 a week will help you save more and spend less.
Keep your budget simple.Don't make your budget so complicated that you don't use it. |
Be honest and accurate.
Be realistic about what you spend each month otherwise your budget will not be accurate from the start and will be difficult to manage your spending. |
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Find a way that works for YOU.
The key to successful budgeting is to find a way that works for you. The easier you feel it is to stick with, the more successful |
Track your budget.
The key to a successful budget is tracking. If you are spending money and not including it on your budget, your budget is no longer going to be an accurate tool for you to use. |