The current economy has many Americans seeking to create a personal budget for the first time in their lives. Creating a personal budget may seem like a daunting task, but it’s really not as bad as you might think. I have three easy steps you can follow and you will be on your way with your new personal budget.
How to Create a Personal Budget Step #1: Know What’s Coming In
The most important part of creating your budget isn’t what is going out – it’s what is coming in. You need to assess how much money you are bringing in each month. This would be equal to your take home pay from work plus any steady income you get from outside sources. When I created my personal budget, I didn’t count my freelance writing funds – I use those for treating myself to something special or for unexpected expenses. Once you know how much is coming in, you’re ready for step #2.
How to Create a Personal Budget Step #2: Divide What’s Coming in
After you have a handle on how much income you have to work with each month, you can divide your money in to different categories. Categories you need to consider include: housing, transportation, household (utilities, etc), medical, savings, emergency, debt payments, and food.
Carmen Wong Ulrich hosts On the Money, which airs nightly on CNBC. She has a suggested budget calculator that could be of use to you. You can enter your monthly take home pay, and the calculator will throw back what you should be spending in each major category.
How to Create a Personal Budget Step #3: Monitor and Re-assess
After you know what you should be spending each month in any given category, you need to evaluate what you really are spending. Gather your bank statements for the last five or six months and calculate, on average, what you have spent on each category. Be honest here, as that is the only way creating a personal budget will help you. After you have a handle on what you have actually spent, compare that to the suggestion on Carmen Wong Ulrich’s calculator. You should then see how you should reorganize your finances in order to become comfortable.
Certain categories such as housing expenses and debt will be hard to lower. The only way to lower housing costs would be to move or negotiate certain terms with your lender. You can minimize your debt by seeking the help of a debt counselor, but I highly recommend you consider the ramifications of any debt programs on your credit score. Your credit score matters now more than ever so if you can, try to pay your debts in full and on time.
If you are spending more than 18% of your monthly take home on transportation, look in to buying a cheaper vehicle. If you are spending too much on food, try to start watching for sales, eat at home more, and clip coupons.
The bottom line is that creating a personal budget is easy. Living by the budget is what is difficult. However, when you know what is coming in, divide it, and monitor your spending and reassess your budget from time to time you should find yourself making better and better money choices.
Resources:
http://onthemoney.cnbc.com
