Learn how to make a budget to manage your expenses while saving for your goals to help set up a solid future.
Are you among the many who plan on including budget planning in your list of 2019 New Year’s resolutions? If so, congratulations. If not, there’s still time.
Budgeting your money is about more than just watching what you spend; it’s also about paying yourself first. This means getting the most out of your money by balancing your current expenses and future goals, while still enjoying your lifestyle. Retirement, for example, may seem to be a long way off, but budgeting today can help you stay on track toward your ideal future.
Here are a few budgeting tips and ideas as you start the new year.
Budgeting your money can help you plan ahead and get on firm financial footing. Think about all the things you spend your money on in a month. You probably have a general idea of your expenses, but have you ever been left asking, “Where did all my money go?” The 50/20/30 rule is one effective way to gain more financial control over your expenses.
The 50/20/30 rule can help you determine how much to spend and how much to save each month. Suppose your take-home pay (after taxes and 401(k) contributions) is $50,000 annually. That’s $4,166 per month.
There are several steps you’ll need to take in order to come up with a budget that works for you and your lifestyle. You’ll need to track your income versus spending, see where your money is going now, and then determine what changes you might make based on the 50/20/30 rule.
There are a few different ways to track your spending, such as recording your purchases in a notebook or using one of these third party apps on your smartphone.
It’s easy to talk about budgeting your money, but it takes discipline to follow through on your plans and find the funds to support your spending and saving goals. Here are some initial things you can do to stay on track toward retirement and other goals: