Budgeting Your PayCheck
We either know someone that has money management issues, or you are the one that deals with this every paycheck. With managing your money, it comes down to how you make do with the income that you make.
Here, you will be setting your goals. Find out where the problem areas are. Keeping proper track of how much money is coming in, and how much is going out is essential. Especially how much you are spending.
Keep track of all your spending. Save your receipts, have everything written down. If possible, go back over your past spending history to see where your money is actually going.
To help with making the most of your money, you will need to start with your fixed monthly payments, this could be your mortgage/rent. Credit card payments, loan payments etc
Variable Monthly payments. This can be your food, utilities, gas, clothing, entertainment
Next is the infrequent payments. This can be auto repairs, birthday expenses, trips etc.
See our sample Budget worksheet
Using these expenses you have on a monthly/yearly basis, you can start to get an idea of your approximate expenses per month, and this can help you to see what amount is left over.
See our budget breakdown for an idea of how much you should be spending on each area.
Your financial goal could be to pay off your credit card/loan, save up for a trip, save more for your future and/or pay down your debts faster.
- Set Your Goals – set realistic achievable goals
- Keep on Track of your Goals
- Your goals need to be attainable.
- Commit to your goals
- Have a planned end date for your goals.
Anytime you are dealing with money management and setting financial goals, there may be bumps along your financial path. Be Realistic, as time goes on, it will get easier and you will be able to reach your financial goal.