Easy steps to plan and manage how you spend your money
Having a budget helps you to feel in control of your money. You can put aside money for big bills when they arrive, and plan savings to achieve your money goals.
You don’t need an accountant or special software to set up your own budget. Start by looking at where you are right now and where you want to be.
Set your money goals
First, work out why you want to do a budget. This can help you to decide where you want your money to go.
Ask yourself: what is my goal? It could be to stay on top of bills, save for emergencies, pay for your children’s education, or save for a holiday or a house
deposit.
See where your money goes
Having a clear picture of your regular expenses and spending habits will help you set up your budget.
To do this, track your spending over a week, a fortnight or a month. See ASIC Moneysmart website’s “track your spending” article for practical ways to do this.
How to set up your budget
Use how often you get paid as the timeframe for your budget. For example, if you get paid weekly, set up a weekly budget.
Then follow these steps to set up each section.
1. Record your income
Record how much money is coming in and when. If you don’t have a regular amount of income, work out an average amount.
Make a list of all money coming in, including:
- how much
- where from
- how often (weekly, fortnightly, monthly or yearly)
This money could be from your wages, pension, government benefit or payment, or income from investments.
2. Add up your expenses
Record your regular expenses, including:
- what for
- how much
- when
Regular expenses are your ‘needs’ — the essential items you need to pay for to live. These include:
Fixed expenses, for example:
- rent payments
- electricity, gas and phone bills
- council rates
- household expenses, like food and groceries
- medical costs and insurance
- transport costs, like car registration and public transport
- family costs, like baby products, child care, school fees and sporting activities
Debt expenses, for example:
- personal loan repayments
- credit card payments
- mortgage repayments
Unexpected expenses, for example:
- car repairs and services
- medical bills
- extra school costspet costs
To make sure you’ve recorded all your expenses, look at your bills or bank statements. If you tracked your spending, use your list of transactions.
3. See if you can save
Having some savings can help create a safety net for unexpected expenses. Set a savings goal and work out how much you can save each payday.
4. Set your spending limit
The money you have left after expenses and savings is your spending money. This money is for ‘wants’, such as entertainment, eating out and hobbies.
Make a plan for what you want to do with your spending money. This will help you to keep within your limit. Keep track of your spending so you always know how much you’ve got left.
Review your budget regularly
It’s important to adjust your budget as things change. For example, if you find you can’t cover all your expenses, savings and spending, you may have to reduce your spending limit, or change your savings goal.
For ideas to help reduce spending, see ASIC Moneysmart website’s “simple ways to save money” article. You can also look for ways to increase your income.
Make a plan for your savings
Once you’ve set up your budget and have it working, think about what you’d like to do with the money you save. Here are some ideas:
- Grow your super — See how adding to your super could increase your balance.
- Save for a home — Set a goal on how much you need to save for a home deposit.
- How to invest — Grow your money by investing it.
- Term deposits — Put your savings in a term deposit to get a fixed interest rate and lock the money away for a relatively short period of time.
Source:
https://moneysmart.gov.au/budgeting/how-to-do-a-budget
Disclaimer:
In this article we have not taken into account any particular person’s objectives, financial situation or needs. You should, before acting on this information, consider the appropriateness of this information having regard to your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. We recommend you obtain financial advice specific to your situation before making any financial investment or insurance decision.
