How to Budget Like a Boss

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Knowing how to budget your money properly will allow you to reach your financial goals and alleviate stress.

Unfortunately, many people, both young and old, don’t even bother to make a budget.

They spend their money however they want and whenever they want. It ends up creating a damaging financial cycle—one that typically results in living paycheck to paycheck.

And living paycheck to paycheck usually leads to getting buried in debt.

This article goes over the skills and habits that will help improve just about any financial situation. Keep reading to find out how you can budget like a boss!

Define the Reason Why You Want to Make a Budget

Why are you interested in starting a budget?

Below is a list of reasons why most people choose to create a budget.

Build an emergency savings
Save for retirement or long-term financial goals
Stop living paycheck to paycheck
Save for significant expenses like a home purchase or new vehicle
To get out of debt
Get rid of financial stress
To stop guessing if you can afford the lifestyle your living
Reduce overspending
Financial peace of mind

Be Specific About Your Financial Goals

Once you know the reason why you’re starting a budget, it’s time to make some specific achievable goals.

For instance, let’s say you want to budget so you can save more for retirement. Set a goal and use exact numbers. Be specific.

Example: I want to save an extra $500 a month to put towards my IRA. That’s a specific goal and plan.

Just saying, “I want to save more” isn’t enough. Again, define a target and use exact numbers.

When your specific and have a plan in place, you are far more likely to achieve your goals.

Know Exactly How Much Money You’re Making

Go over your pay stubs or W2’s to find out what your average monthly income is. Include every cent that you make, side gigs, investments, child support, etc.

You can find wage calculators online that will let you input this information and tell you what your average monthly income is.

Another option is to add up how much you made last year and divide it by 12.

If you have a variable income, like from sales or commission work, its best to base it off your average from a weak month.

Don’t base your budget around income that isn’t consistent. Use the average of what you make, so you have breathing room and create a more significant savings cushion.

How to Budget Like a Boss Spending Limit

Keep Track of Your Expenses

In order to budget like a boss, you have to know where your money is going.

Keeping track of your expenses will show you exactly what your spending habits are and where you can make improvements.

There are many ways you can track your spending, from writing it down in a notebook to using an app.

Keeping track of your spending and income is a basic money management fundamental.

When you know your spending habits you’re able to weed out any problem areas like overspending and living outside of your means.

Set a Monthly Spending Limit

Once you know the reason for your budget, your average monthly income, and how much your spending, it’s time to set an amount you can spend each month.

Do you have a large surplus after your monthly expenses? Or are you in the negative? This information can help you figure out your monthly spending limit and keep you on track

If you’re throwing away food that went bad every month, cut back on your grocery budget. Do you have so many shoes you can’t close your closet door? Maybe sell a few pairs and or cut up your credit card.

If your goal is to pay off debt, then utilize any extra income and start paying it down.

Paying off debt should be just as important as building up your savings.

List for each category how much you want to spend each month. Ex: $300 for groceries, $200 extra towards debt, $500 in savings, $200 for eating out, etc.

I recommend putting all your bills on autopay, that way you never have to worry about late payments and extra fees.

Go Over Your Plans With Your Significant Other

For those of you that are in a relationship, it’s crucial that you and your significant other are both on-board.

Couples should be able to discuss financial matters effectively.

Even if you keep your finances separate, it is important to talk about your budget plans.

Money can be a huge stressor and is the source of many relationship problems. Get rid of the stress money causes by budgeting and knowing where you stand financially.

Review Your Budget Every Month

Around the 1^st of each month, set a reminder to go over your budget and make any updates.

At the beginning of a new month, you can look back at the previous month and see how you did.

If you notice any areas you can make improvements, start to implement them over the next month.

It’s imperative to keep in the habit of reviewing your budget to catch any necessary adjustments that are needed. It keeps you motivated and relieves some stress as you see yourself make progress.