Many people are put off by the idea of making a budget.
According to a recent poll by Debt.com, 67% of respondents maintained a household budget in 2019, a decrease from 70% the year before.
However, when asked “Who needs a budget?” 93% said that everyone should have one, regardless of their circumstances.
In the same study, respondents cited a lack of time or income as the primary reasons for not budgeting.
What is a Budget?
A budget is a plan for your income.
To create a budget, you assign a dollar amount to your savings goals, debts, and spending categories.
Then track your expenses as they occur to make sure they align with your spending plan.
Most budgets are set on a monthly basis, although you can do one on a weekly or fortnightly basis.
Even if you don’t live paycheck-to-paycheck, a financial planning can ensure you’re putting money toward what matters to you.
Understanding and using a budget can help you pay off debt, save for the future, and reach your long-term financial goals.
What Are Some Different Types of Budgets?
There’s a budgeting system to fit every lifestyle and personality. Three of the most common include the 50/30/20 budget, the zero-sum budget, and the cash envelope system.
50/30/20 budget
Allocate 50% of your income to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to saving and paying off debt.
This method is best if you prefer not to track every penny but still want some guidance on how to allocate your income.
50/30/20 Budget Calculator
Use this tool to visualize how your spending would look with this budgeting method
Your Monthly Income after taxes.
Zero-based budget
With this method, every dollar of your income has a specific purpose. Your income minus expenses, savings, and debts should equal zero.
This budget is best if you’re paying off debt, working toward a big financial goal, or want to know where every dollar of your income goes.
Zero Sum Budget Calculator
Use this tool to visualize how your spending would look with this budgeting method
Your Monthly Income after taxes.
Cash envelope budgeting
Rather than using a credit or debt card for spending, you take out cash and split it between envelopes for each spending category.
You can still pay your mortgage, cell phone, and other bills online or by check.
But groceries, eating out, and other discretionary categories get their own envelopes.
This method is great if you have trouble sticking to your budget or want to reduce your spending.
Whichever type you choose, you can write it by hand, create a custom spreadsheet, or use an app to track your spending.
Try whichever method resonates most with you. If you don’t like it, try another until you find something that fits and, most importantly, that you’ll stick with for the long run.
Why Should You Have a Budget?
Regardless of your financial situation, everyone can benefit. A budget can help you:
Get control over your finances
At its core, a budget is simply a picture of your income and expenses.
Once you understand how much money you have coming in every month and where it goes, you can use it intentionally toward the things that matter to you.
Pay off debt
Many people don’t know how much of their income goes toward debt payments.
When you make a budget, you’ll have a better understanding of your debts and how much money you can put toward paying them off each month.
Save more money
Similarly, if your goal is to save more money each month, a budget will help you see how much of your income you can allocate to your savings goals.
Relieve financial stress and anxiety
Many people think budgeting is restrictive when, in fact, it can be freeing.
While a financial planning may not solve all your financial problems, it can help you reduce stress, make better financial decisions, and plan for the future.
How to Start Your Budget?
If you’re ready to make a budget, start with the basics.
Decide which system you want to use, then choose a method for tracking your expenses (e.g., app, spreadsheet, or pen and paper).
You’ll need your after-tax income and an estimate of your current monthly expenses.
Track your spending each week, and re-evaluate after your first month to see what worked and where you need to make adjustments.
If you try a method you don’t like or struggle to follow, don’t give up. Financial planning is like an exercise.
It takes time to find a workout you enjoy, so try a couple of types of budgets until you find one that fits.
