Budgeting and having a handle on your finances may sound like a dream, but it can be challenging to make a reality. On the bright side, you don’t need to hire an accountant to overhaul your routines. In the midst of busy schedules, a barrage of advertisements, and fast spending, saving money can seem impossible. In reality, we can only save money when we develop healthy habits. Check out the 3 B’s of budgeting.
Budget
This one is pretty straightforward. Start by creating your budget. Take a look at what your expenses look like each month.Here are some potential categories for your budget.
- Rent
- Utilities
- Gas
- Electric
- Water
- Sewer
- etc..
- Groceries
- Food
- Gas/Transportation
- Family expenses
- Clothes
- etc..
Once you are aware of how much you spend each month, it becomes exponentially easier to set parameters.
Balance
It’s essential to have a realistic balance of wants and needs. Budgets often fall apart when you attempt to go too strict too fast. Eliminating your budget desires can often lead to giving up on the budget you worked too hard on. Give yourself small, realistic fun budgeting categories to add a little fun. Adding in a budget for going out with friends, buying coffee, or shopping each month can relieve some of the pressure that comes from budgeting.
Buying
Keep track of what you are buying. A surefire way to struggle with a budget is to lose track of what you are buying. Even things as small as buying a cup of coffee can get away with you when it becomes a habit. Keep hold of your receipts or keep an eye on your banking account’s website or phone app to watch how much you are spending.
Budgeting is an integral part of how you spend your money and how you analyze your funds. Take it one category at a time, and your lifestyle will change along with it.