At the core of any effective budget is an understanding of your monthly income – this step is especially crucial if your income fluctuates like freelancers or self-employed professionals do.
Find this number by reviewing bank and credit card statements, then listing expenses. These should include fixed expenses (rent or mortgage, phone service and utilities), variable expenses such as groceries, gas, entertainment or dining out expenses as well as fixed ones like rent.
1. Make a list of your expenses.
Accurately tracking all your expenses is key to creating an accurate budget. Utilize receipts, bank and credit card statements and apps like Venmo to keep an inventory of everything that consumes your funds – this includes fixed expenses like rent or mortgage payment, utilities bill payment and transportation, as well as variable expenses like dining out and subscription services.
Be careful to distinguish between needs and wants when compiling your expenses list; gym membership could count as a necessity while streaming movies or music subscriptions could not. Once complete, categorize expenses according to how they contribute towards meeting your financial goals.
Be mindful that expenses will likely exceed income, so include them in your budget. A calendar or other reminder can be helpful in keeping track of these expenses.
2. Set a monthly budget.
Utilizing the data you compiled, create a budget that takes all your monthly expenses into account and compares them against your income. Be sure to include both annual expenses like property taxes or car insurance payments as well as month-specific items like birthday gifts or seasonal costs such as pumpkin spice lattes in this budget plan.
Make a list of essential expenses such as housing, utilities, food and transportation before adding other recurring monthly costs as well as any non-recurring charges such as subscriptions. Take into account variable expenses which fluctuate each month as well as income sources not tied to fixed schedules like supplemental earnings or investment returns. Be sure to set a SMART (specific, measurable, attainable relevant and timebound) savings goal!
3. Set a spending limit.
Employing a budget tool with specific spending limits can help keep you on track when it comes to credit card usage, particularly with regards to using it responsibly, saving money and improving your credit score. Setting limits encourages responsible spending habits which in turn helps save money and boost credit scores.
Gain more insight into your spending by tracking expenses using a spreadsheet or budgeting app. Many apps allow users to visually sort transactions and categorize them, giving you insight into the amount you spent on groceries, restaurant meals, entertainment and other categories.
Keep in mind that as your needs change or as you meet savings and debt repayment goals, your budget may need to adapt accordingly. Rent or utility costs could rise, for instance; having an emergency fund can help manage unexpected costs more easily.
4. Look for ways to save.
Staying ahead of the Joneses can quickly disrupt your financial plan and lead to debt. Instead, identify your money values and set both short and long-term financial goals that reflect what’s most important in life – then use this framework as your guide when saving for the things you value most.
Reevaluating your budget regularly to spot opportunities for savings is the key to finding potential money savers. For instance, if your fixed expenses continue to increase year after year, shopping around for better cell phone plans, mortgage or car insurance policies might reduce those costs and free up more cash flow.
Reviewing your spending can reveal unneeded charges like magazine subscriptions, streaming services or gym memberships that you aren’t using – taking the time to eliminate these expenses could save you significant amounts over time.
5. Track your spending.
As important as it is to track spending using either an Excel spreadsheet or pen and paper, understanding where your money is going is crucial for financial security. Doing this will allow you to identify areas in which you may be overspending and adjust your budget accordingly.
Begin by printing off three months’ worth of bank statements and reviewing each transaction. For instance, if you regularly spend on groceries and dining out, consider color coding these purchases so you can quickly see where your expenses lie.
Once you have identified your expenses, compare them against your budget categories to ensure that they align with your goals. It is wise to review this process regularly as your income and expenditures may change over time.
