If you’re looking for some strategies on how to make a Budget, then you’ll love this article.

The budget is like a bra. It’s a strange feeling at first, but once you get used to it, you’ll be glad to have it (gentlemen can use an analogy with suspensor). The budget can help you get out of debt, secure financial independence, and even make you a happier person. Moreover, it is not difficult. When it comes to Money, it is essential to have the responsibility.

How To Make a Budget:

1. Write down all your earnings.

Do you have a fixed salary and receive each month the same? Or are you a tradesman, and you always earn a different amount? When you have a rough estimate of how much money you make each month, you will be able to create a successful budget. If you are a tradesman, you have to realize that the money you bring home is not the same as the money you make. For example, if you earn 30,000 per month, not all of your money is because you will have to tax them. Try to calculate how much you will have to pay on taxes and deduct this amount from your monthly income.

2. If you are an employee and receive a salary, you do not have to deduct taxes on income because your employer is paying for you.

The monthly salary you receive will therefore only be yours. If you get some tax money back, you can do whatever you want with them.

SEE ALSO: How To Prepare a Budget: 16 [Expert] Strategies

3. Find out what you’re spending money on.

What accounts do you have to pay each month? Do you go every week to a restaurant with your friends and then to the movies? When you find out where your money is disappearing, it’s easier to crush it. There are many applications and programs to help you track your finances. Divide your spending into categories. It will be easier for you to keep track of where your money is disappearing. Sometimes you can split your expense into several groups and, you will start changing your habits, especially if you did not fully realize how much you were spending before.

4. Compare your regular earnings expenses.

If you get a negative number, you live on debt. If you have some money left, divide it into several groups:Reserve: Reserve should represent about 5-15% of your earnings, and it is the money you use in case of unexpected expenses. When you lightly knock a car or break a vacuum cleaner, you’ll have somewhere to reach for the money. Savings. In the ideal world, you should save about 25% of your income. In the real world, you should try to keep at least 15% of all your earnings, no matter how little you earn. Spend enough money to have enough reserve for the crisis (about 5-8 monthly salaries) and then start saving on the investment. Money to spend. This is the money you will have left after you share the rest of your money on reserve and savings.  From this money, you pay for clothes, lunch in the restaurant and other entertainment activities. If there’s little money left for you, find out how to cut your living costs.

5. Identify the goals and divide them into a short and long term.

It is good to have a goal on which to work. For example, if you want to save money on the house, you have a clear purpose. Short-term goals, for example, may be to spend more than a month more than the exact amount of money or save the precise amount of money each month.  These short-term goals are not as tricky as long-term ones.

SEE ALSO: How To Become a Millionaire: 14 Life-Changing Ways

6. Long-term goals are repaying a mortgage or car loan or starting to prepare for a pension.

It is difficult to achieve these long-term goals because your hard work will take effect in a few decades.

7. Write down the things you have to pay unconditionally every month.

It is rent or mortgage, payments for energy and water and food or, for example, diapers. All these things add up, and you will see how much you will get from the monthly income after all your necessities have been paid. If you spend all of this on your income, do not worry. There are ways to save and how to make more money. It is essential to have a budget and stick to it. It will help you to deal with money more wisely. If you have some cash after adding up your necessities, it’s great – not everyone lives in such luxury. Start thinking about how you handle the remaining money.

8. Make your budget even for your remaining expenses.

Now you need to evaluate your priorities. What values do you have and how you want to spend money? Money is ultimately only a means. Can you deal with them so you can get paid? What kind of person are you and what do you like to do? Most people spend this money on their interests, hobbies, and fun. Take it as an investment – you are giving money and receiving satisfaction or experience, etc.

9. Think about what makes you happy.

Scientists are gradually finding out that people who spend money on experiences are mostly happier than people who spend money on things. This is because the pleasant memories last longer than the joy of the newly purchased material matter. Things are always new just for a moment. Consider what experiences make you happy and try to make these things bigger in your budget. For example, leave more money for holidays and travel.

10. Use software to help keep your budget safe.

Personal finance management software is today top-rated. These programs have tools that allow you to set your budget by yourself and plan your finances for a long time in advance.

11. Do not exceed your budget.

This is the first and indeed the only budget rule. Of course, it sounds, but it’s easy to cross the budget even if you have it well planned. Think about how you spend and plan your expenses.

12. Take your diary.

From the beginning, it can help you write down your daily earnings and expenses. Write down everything you spend money every day, and it may open your eyes, and you will find that you are paying more than necessary. Beware of repeating mistakes that can be easily avoided, such as daily coffee on the way to work.

13. Be aware of the difference between necessity and luxury.

Decide what you need to buy and what you want to buy. Priorities should be just the necessary expenses and things you do not necessarily need to purchase should you have anything left. Regularly reward yourself, but never destroy your budget. As we have already mentioned, money must work for you and not you for the money. If you feel like you are a slave to your budget or money in general, you will never be happy. Do not be afraid to enjoy a trip or an excellent dinner at the restaurant once in a while. At the same time, however, you must not abuse the rewards so that they prove to be counterproductive.  Once in a while, getting your ice cream will not hurt you, but when you start rewarding with costly things, your budget will not last.

14. Reduce your costs.

It’s mostly not pleasant, but it’s a sure way to cut overall spending. For example, if you are spending a more expensive holiday each year, try to stay home and save money this year. Also, think about the “vices” that cost you money. When you limit their amount, you will have more money, and you will feel better. If you smoke, try to stop. If you drink more than reasonable, stop it too.

15. Leave your credit card at home.

It is tempting to drink on the ticket and finally to pay by card. Do not do it. You can easily walk and drink much more than your budget allows. It would be best to pay only cash and not use the credit/debit card at all. Studies have shown that people who pay in money mostly spend less money. This is because when you are talking about real money, it has more impact on you than just having a credit card. Your brain is more comfortable to spend.

16. Save Taxes.

In most cases, it means using more benefits and counting different items. Start hiding your bills (especially if you are a tradesman) and find a tax advisor.

17. Keep yourself ahead of inflation.

After inflation, it increases the cost of living. A three percent increase every year will double the prices of everything over 24 years. If your income grows, do not spend it on luxury things until you’re sure you’re still ahead of inflation.

18. Do not rely on unexpected earnings.

Do not include potential revenue in your budget, such as tax refunds, etc. You should only write guaranteed earnings.

Artykuł 18 Comprehensive Tips On How To Make a Budget Like a Pro pochodzi z serwisu Perfect 24 Hours.