How to Budget: The Ultimate Guide

What is a budget? Why is it important to budget? Who is budgeting for? How to get started? When to budget? Where can I save money? 

Follow me on this step-by-step series as I break down the “act of budgeting” into small, concrete steps that you can implement in your own life to save or improve your finances.

I am a twenty-eight year-old woman living below the poverty line who has no debt, an awesome credit score, and five figures in my savings account. If I can do it, you can too! 

I recommend you begin at the introduction then read through “Getting Started” to set up your “budgeting system.” After that, read whichever articles interest you the most. Categories will be added as needed.

disclaimer: I am not a financial advisor. I am writing about what has worked for me for my household finance. Although everyone’s life situations are different, I believe that my system is as good as any to get started, especially if you have no system already in place and have no idea where to start. That being said, I highly recommend that you apply your common sense and modify my suggestions as you see fit to best suit your circumstances!

Introduction

What Is a Budget and Why Does It Matter?

Getting Started

Creating Your Finance Bookmark Folder
A Note on Logging In
Never Miss Another Credit Card Payment Due Date
Anticipate Fixed Expenses and Track Variable Expenses
How to Save Money When You’re Broke
Closing the Month
Introducing the Weekly Expense Report
How to Plan Ahead for Fixed Expenses on a Tight Budget
5 Reasons to Choose Paper Over Digital
Choose Your Sacrifice
Editing Your Budget