Budgeting

What is Budgeting?

Budgeting is a system of creating a plan to manage how and where you spend your money. By creating a plan, you can help determine if you have enough money to visit that nice hotel by the beach, or if you need to keep costs low for a month. Regardless of what you do, budgeting is essential. To budget effectively, you need to track your income, expenses, investments/savings, create goals, and adjust your budget frequently to ensure you are on the right track!

Key Steps in Budgeting:

  • Identify your income sources.
  • List all fixed and variable expenses.
  • Set financial goals (short-term and long-term).
  • Create a spending plan that aligns with your goals.
  • Review and adjust your budget regularly.

Budgeting Methods

50/30/20 Rule

Allocate your income as follows:

  • 50% for needs
  • 30% for wants
  • 20% for savings

Zero-Based Budgeting

Allocate every dollar of your income to a specific purpose, so your income minus expenses equals zero.

Budgeting Tools

  • Use our budgeting system
  • Do it the old fashioned way: Pen and Paper
  • Google Sheets/Excel

Tips for Successful Budgeting

  • Be realistic with your budget
  • Track all expenses
  • Make sure to have an emergency fund
  • Review and adjust your budget at least once a month
  • Celebrate small wins