How to Make a Monthly Budget for Beginners?

How to make a monthly budget for beginners can be applied to learn to manage finances well no matter what your age. A budget helps you to more easily distinguish between needs and mere wants. Pay attention to the following methods and start implementing them consistently to avoid wasting money for unnecessary things.

Easy Ways on How to Make a Monthly Budget for Beginners

1. Record All Sources of Income

Making a budget should be done in total; if you have two or more jobs, all fixed income is recorded. So not only record the main source of income, but also include income from side jobs. Both fixed and non-fixed salaries should be recorded properly so that you know how much money earned each month/week.

In addition to the basic salary or additional income, you also need to record the bonuses or commissions received. Other income from investments should also be recorded so that you can manage it properly later. When you know your total income, you will be able to plan your finances more optimally and freely.

2. List All Expenses

In addition to recording all sources of income, budgeting also requires you to record all expenses. Make a complete list manually in a special book or use a financial application to make it easier. The list in question is a record of routine and non-routine expenses so that you know where your money goes.

How to budget money for beginners can always start by totalling all income and expenses. In terms of expenses, of course this includes housing costs, monthly shopping, bills, and transportation. However, even if you have debts or instalments and expenses for entertainment/lifestyle, you must also record them.

3. Use the 50/30/20 Rule

After recording your expenses, it’s a good idea to start categorizing them into three to make it easier. Divide your expenses into basic needs (things that must be met routinely and cannot be postponed). Then there are also expenses to fulfil desires (this can be vacations, entertainment, hobbies, or hanging out outside).

Then the third is expenses for savings and investments from setting aside income for future funds. Use the 50/30/20 method, which is a rule where 50% of the money is for basic needs. The other 30% are used to fulfil desires and the remaining 20% can be saved, invested, or paid off debt.

4. Create a Budget Plan

How to make a monthly budget for beginners online using a special financial application is actually easier. You can start making a budget plan based on your income records and spending categories. Determine the maximum limit of money you need to spend for each spending category and don’t exceed your income.

5. Evaluate Every Month

Evaluate every month using a financial application or Excel spreadsheet to make budget planning easier. After recording daily expenses routinely, evaluate at the end of each month to find out how frugal or wasteful you’re. From the evaluation you can improve yourself by being more consistent and disciplined in following the financial plan.

How to make a monthly budget for beginners can be learned and started at any time to achieve financial goals. By creating a personal budget, you can avoid debt and prepare emergency funds. If your financial condition is healthy from the start, your life is guaranteed to be more peaceful.