As we take on all of the possibilities a new year brings, we all want to start fresh and with a bright eye for our financial future. Building a solid financial budget is one of the best ways to ensure that you are prepared for anything this year. Let’s go over how a budget can help you reach your financial goals!
Creating a budget. When you're creating a budget for the first time, try to keep it as simple as possible. This way, it's not overwhelming and will be easier for you to maintain. One of the biggest mistakes most people make in saving money is not including it in their budget. You may decide to save whatever you have left at the end of the month. Categorize your expenses and figure out exactly how much you’re going to spend in each category and on what. You’ll probably want to first allocate funds to food, housing, utilities, transportation, debt repayment, and other essentials.
Types of budgets. Setting a budget helps to ensure you save money consistently and avoid overspending. The type of budget will be different for everyone, but the most common types are a weekly and monthly budget. Weekly budgets help break down large costs like rent, utilities, and car payments while monthly budgets can help combine smaller expenses like music subscriptions, eating out, and gym memberships. It’s okay to change the amount you save per month or week based on your immediate goals. Feel free to try different formats and ways of organizing your budget until you find one that best fits your lifestyle and money goals.
Track your spending. Observing how you’re spending money will also help you stick to your budget. A weekly budget may help you keep a closer eye on your daily spending. Budgeting will help you identify your spending habits—good and bad—so you can figure out any expenses you can do without and have a true picture of your cash flow. Spending habits can change depending on how much you’re saving for unexpected expenses or financial setbacks.
Select FCU's Savers Club account can make it easier to save for that summer vacation, holiday shopping, or provide a financial cushion for unexpected expenses. No matter what you’re saving for, budgeting doesn't have to be stressful and can even be fun!
Contact us today for more information about the services we offer to help you save, 210.223.6561.
