The first step to budgeting is determining how your net income (commonly known as your after-tax income) measures up against all your expenses and spending.
Putting your income and expenses down in writing will help you manage your money and track your spending
Your net income should be fairly easy to list. Only include regular sources of income you expect to receive over time. Listing your expenses and spending, however, will require a little more work.
Like so many others, you may not know exactly how you spend all your money outside of covering obvious monthly payments, such as rent or your mortgage, car payments, utilities, etc.
This is why you should track your monthly spending when you first start putting together a personal budget, including small purchases like coffees, snacks, gum, cigarettes, etc.
You should track your spending for at least a month (or ideally for 2 to 3 months) every day at home, at work, and at play.
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You'll then need to write down your short, medium and long-term goals based on your needs, wants, and dreams in life.
Short-term goals might include saving up for a computer or for travel. Medium-term goals might include saving up for a car or a mortgage down payment. Long-term goals might include saving for your retirement or your child’s education.
Be realistic about what you want, need, and can achieve based on your current income. By understanding your spending habits, your money-saving goals will seem like less of a challenge.
Just keep in mind that circumstances and goals in life can always change, so you should be prepared to re-evaluate and revise your budget as time goes on.
Try to save 10-15% of your net income. If you're unemployed, try to save 2-3% of any income you receive.
Take control of your financial future. Our Money Managemant and Budgeting Guide provides you with valuable information and tips that can set you up for success.
