Creating a personal budget can seem like an overwhelming task, especially if you’ve never done it before. But when you break down the different steps involved in making one, it’s not difficult to do, and the benefits are well worth it! As you consider how to create your own personal budget, look at how to get started and some benefits as to why having one is helpful.
How do I get started?
1. Gather information: Before starting the process of creating a personal budget, it’s important to first identify your financial goals, current income sources, expenses and debt obligations
2. List Your Expenditures: List all your expenses, including rent/mortgage payments, groceries, utility bills, debt payments, among others. Now it’s time to calculate how much money you have left over each month after your expenses are paid.
3. Save for the future: Once you’ve covered your monthly debts and non-discretionary expenses, plan to put some remaining funds into an investment or savings account. This could be funds eventually used for retirement, or as funds set aside for potential future unexpected expenses.
4. Assign Funds for Discretionary Spending: Consider how much additional money will be available after paying for necessary items and assign funds for discretionary spending activities such as entertainment, shopping, and so on.
5. Identify Areas to Cut back on Expenses: Take note of any areas where costs can be reduced without compromising quality or lifestyle and adjust your budget accordingly.
6. Monitor Progress & Adjust When Needed: Regularly track progress against the set budget and make necessary adjustments when needed to stay on track.
7. For those encumbered with the weighty responsibility of managing various debts and experiencing trouble making the required payments, obtaining a debt consolidation loan could be a wise decision. Consolidating all of your loans into one large loan with one monthly payment could lead to reduced stress and you may also find it easier to manage your monthly budget.
8. Periodically Review Goals & Reassess Finances: Reflect on achieved milestones and review the overall objectives regularly to ensure they are still aligned with the original plan. Additionally, reassess finances periodically to determine if further alterations should be implemented to keep the budget balanced.
The task of creating a budget can seem like a difficult one but there are some
free and paid tools available that can help to make the task less burdensome.
1. Microsoft Excel: A spreadsheet program that can help you create a budget and track your finances easily.
2. Mint: An online tool for creating budgets and tracking expenses.
3. Quicken: A financial software package for managing personal finances, investments, and taxes.
4. YNAB (You Need A Budget): A budgeting app to keep your spending in check.
5. EveryDollar: An easy-to-use budgeting app with goal-setting tools and customizable categories.
6. Goodbudget: An envelope-style budget system that helps users plan their monthly finances.
7. MoneyStrands: A free web-based budget planner that tracks income and expenses to help you reach financial goals.
Let's consider the benefits of creating a personal budget.
Could help you save money:
You can track your expenditures, develop an approach to achieving your financial objectives, and spot any areas where you could be overpaying.
Can help you from getting over your head in debt:
This can be accomplished by tracking your income and expenses, and then allocating your money to pay for necessary expenses, savings, and debt payments. This task will help keep your debt in check, so you can monitor how much money is allocated for debt repayment.
Can give you peace of mind:
A budget will help you prepare for unexpected expenses. This could help you handle expenses such as auto repairs, household expenses, medical bills, family and other expenses.
It’s also imperative to review your budget every month to make sure you’re still on track with your financial goals. Adjust if needed, such as cutting back on certain expenses or increasing your income if possible.
Although making a personal budget might be challenging, it is an effective step to take to improve your financial stability.