What is budgeting?
Budgeting is a plan that you come up with to determine how you will spend your money each month.
Regardless of what you may have heard over the years, budgeting does not limit your freedom, but instead it gives you freedom.
When you create a budget and stick to it, you are telling every single dollar that you make how you want it to be spent. This is beneficial in taking control of your finances and starting your journey to creating wealth.
Whether you are new to budgeting or you are looking for new ways to budget, these 5 tips will definitely make your budgeting process easier:
Start with the most important categories first.
Giving to a good cause and saving should be first on the list. Next, your main necessities can be added in. Once all of your main priorities are in your budget, you can add all the other categories to your in.
Follow the SMART goals rule.
When creating a budget you want to have specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound goals. Creating a clear plan of action will help keep your expenses and budget on track.
Measure your progress regularly.
Schedule monthly or quarterly budget reviews to track progress. Your budget should have you on pace to meet your savings goals. If not, adjust your strategy as needed. Also consider using budgeting apps and software. It also can track your progress and help make adjustments easier.
Record all your income sources.
Record all of your income sources, including salaries , freelance work, rental investments, and passive earnings. By tracking all income sources you can get a clearer picture of the money you have coming in. More money coming in is more money that can be saved and invested.
Keep expenses low.
By keeping your expenses low you will have more money to contribute toward savings. Living below your means is one of the main steps toward building wealth. Consider using discounts, cooking at home, keeping impulse purchases to a minimum, avoid high-yielding debt.
Budgeting can feel like a daunting task at the beginning of the year. It doesn't have to be if you create a clear plan of action that is realistic and stick to it.