Be realistic about your saving expectations
Once you deduct your total expenses from your salary, you’ll have a clearer picture of what disposable income you have left. Savings/emergency fund (money you aim to save each month without fail).Car running costs or public transportation budget.Living expenses (your average grocery and utility bills per month).Insurance premiums due (health insurance, car insurance, life insurance, etc.).Credit card repayments (an approximate figure).Monthly income (your take-home pay and any other source of income).Even better, have this information stored in an online, secure document, so you can access it anywhere and update it as your life circumstances change. If you think having all this assigned to memory is too big an ask, try using Excel to make a budget worksheet. Having a clear understanding of the funds you bring in each month, and money you pay out is essential you can’t manage a budget if you don’t know what your budget actually is. You may think terms like “cash flow” and “expenses” are only used in the office, but being good with money is universal, whether you’re running a business or just making sure your family isn’t overspending. Introduce some of these budgeting tips into your home, to set a great example for your children and to make your life all the easier. Creating positive spending habits and running a personal budget are life skills everyone should know, including kids.
Whether you’re saving up for a sunny vacation or just counting the pennies for a rainy day, personal finance should always be top of mind when it comes to your household.