We work hard to earn a living. We should make sure we spend the money we bring home wisely. That’s where a household budget comes in.
It’s a good things to see at a glance what we have coming in, what’s going out (and what that money is paying for) and if there’s anything left at the end of the month to put into savings.
Before we dive into exactly what a budget can do for us, let’s
consider for a minute what will happen if we’re not tracking income and
expenses. We may end up spending more than we’re making in a given month (or
two, or three).
Over time that can put us into some pretty hot water
financially. We may also spend a lot more than we’d like to believe on things
like eating out, going to the movies or new clothes.
Having a budget gives us more control over where we want to
really spend our hard earned cash. Maybe that’s dinner and a movie, but maybe
it isn’t. Wouldn’t it be nice to have an actual choice?
1. It Tracks Where Your Money Is Going
A budget simply tracks your money. You record where the money
comes from each month (your income) and then write out everything you spend it
on, starting with your regular monthly bills like mortgage or rent, car
payments, utility bills etc.
What’s left after all the bills are paid is your discretional income.
Grab a Printable Budgeting worksheets here!
What’s left after all the bills are paid is your discretional income.
Grab a Printable Budgeting worksheets here!
2. Helps You Identify Things You Waste Money On
Having it all in front of you in black and white helps you
identify things you’re wasting your money on.
It makes you reconsider if you really want to spend well over
$200 a month on Cable TV or $150 on your large cell phone plan. Or how about
that yearly magazine subscription to something you no longer read?
Go through your expenses and reevaluate if this is REALLY how you want to spend your pay check.
Go through your expenses and reevaluate if this is REALLY how you want to spend your pay check.
3. Allows You To Be Proactive About Savings
Saving money without a budget is hard. We go in with the best of
intentions at the beginning of the month, but somehow there isn’t anything left
at the end of the month.
A budget gives you a chance to be a bit more proactive. Set
aside some money for savings at the beginning of the month, even if it’s just
$20. Put it in the budget as a regular expense, just like you do with your
other urgent bills.
If you need to, open a separate savings account so you’re not tempted to spend it.
Most importantly, your budget will keep you on track and help you make sure you’re not spending more than you’re making. And I don’t have to tell you that that’s pretty important for your financial well being.
5 Simple Ways to Put Your Savings on Autopilot
If you need to, open a separate savings account so you’re not tempted to spend it.
Most importantly, your budget will keep you on track and help you make sure you’re not spending more than you’re making. And I don’t have to tell you that that’s pretty important for your financial well being.
Also, read
Spend $21 Per Person Per Week on Food Using These Worksheets5 Simple Ways to Put Your Savings on Autopilot
This is so true! As difficult as it was - we now keep a grocery budget and we are saving money finally for a vacation.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing! Until I find another job, we are on one income and about to move into a new house. Budgeting is definitely something we are going to have to get serious with.
ReplyDeleteWe have had a budget for the entire 22 years of our marriage - it has been our saving grace. Over the years, we have learned where we can play and maneuver funds, but it's always good to know the money is there when needed.
ReplyDelete