How do you budget?

ally18

sorry the post looks a mess, it would not line up correctly

getmore4less

KimLouise17 wrote: »

hi all

i really need a budget that i can stick to

in the past i have always done a months budget by writing down the days, whats coming in and out and how much should be in my bank, but then once one days spending changes it all seems to go to pot and i just cant rectify it!!

can i be nosy and ask how you do your budgets, im not great with the whole spreadsheet thing and would prefer it to be written down

thanks in advance

a budget is plan, needs to be 12months minimum, longer once you get the 12m cracked

12months income allocated to spends and savings

When you spend something that was not on the plan, put it in and re balance.

Understand why it was missing and make sure it is never missing again by adjusting the plan.

Cash flow may mean some things have to wait till you build up a good buffer.


Budget is the plan, then you need to track, spending diary works best to get you started.


get a copy of MSmoney still the best budgeting personal finance tool out there as long as you don't want(there is no need) live access and apps.

YNAB seems to work for those with cash flow problems and many stick with it.

A good budget just works because you ONLY spend to plan.