Budgeting 101: Section 2 – Setting Up for Success 

This is the second part of our budgeting series. To read the first article click here.

Embarking on a journey of financial management begins with establishing a budget, but to truly set yourself up for success, it involves a bit more groundwork. Here’s how to lay a solid foundation for your budgeting efforts.

The Importance of Setting Clear Financial Goals

Without a destination, any path will do. Clear financial goals act as your financial compass; they give direction to your budgeting journey and help keep you motivated. Whether it’s saving for a down payment on a house, preparing for a comfortable retirement, or simply ensuring you have a rainy-day fund, goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

Gathering and Organizing Your Financial Information

Before you can manage your money, you need to understand where it stands. Start by gathering all your financial statements – bank accounts, investments, recent utility bills, and any sources of income. Organize this information in a way that makes sense to you, whether that’s a spreadsheet, a budgeting app, or a simple paper ledger. This will give you a clear picture of your assets and liabilities, providing a realistic starting point for your budget.

How to Gather and Organize Your Financial Information

Step 1: Collect Your Financial Documents

Gathering your financial documents is the first step. You will need:

• Bank statements
• Credit card statements
• Investment accounts
• Loan documents
• Monthly bills (utilities, rent/mortgage, insurance, etc.)

Step 2: Choose Your Organizational Tools

Decide whether you prefer digital or physical methods. Digital tools like personal finance apps (e.g., Mint, YNAB, or Quicken) can link to your accounts and automatically update and categorize transactions. For physical organization, a binder with dividers for each type of document can work well.

Step 3: Record Your Assets and Liabilities

Create a list or spreadsheet for your assets (what you own) and liabilities (what you owe). For assets, include account balances, real estate, and personal items like cars. For liabilities, list out outstanding balances on loans and credit cards.

Step 4: Categorize Your Documents

Organize your documents into categories such as:

• Income (pay stubs, interest/dividends)
• Fixed Expenses (rent, mortgage, car payments)
• Variable Expenses (groceries, gas)
• Savings and Investments
• Debt

Step 5: Update Regularly

Set a schedule to update your financial information. This could be bi-weekly or monthly, depending on your preference.

Tracking Your Income and Expenses

The core of budgeting is understanding what comes in and what goes out. Track your income meticulously, including not just your primary salary but any secondary sources like freelance work or dividends. Then, turn your attention to expenses. All expenses, from the fixed necessities like mortgage or rent to the variable splurges like dining out, need to be accounted for.

Tips for Tracking Your Income and Expenses

Tip 1: Establish a Budgeting Period

Decide if you will track your budget monthly, bi-weekly, or weekly. This should align with how you receive your income.

Tip 2: Record All Income Sources

For your salary, record the net amount (what you take home after taxes and deductions). For other income sources like side gigs or investments, make a note of the frequency and amounts.

Example:

• Main job: $2,500 monthly
• Side job: $500 monthly
• Investment returns: $100 monthly

Tip 3: Categorize Your Expenses

Divide your expenses into categories and sub-categories. For instance, “Food” can be split into “Groceries” and “Eating Out.”

Example:

• Groceries: $300 monthly
• Eating Out: $150 monthly

Tip 4: Use a Budgeting Tool or App

Whether it’s a spreadsheet or an app, use a tool that allows you to see your income and expenses clearly. Enter your income and every expense transaction as it occurs.

Tip 5: Review and Adjust

At the end of each period, review your budget. Compare your spending to your plan and adjust your budget or spending habits accordingly.

Example: If you budgeted $200 for eating out but spent $250, decide if you need to cut back next month or adjust your budget to be more realistic.

Tip 6: Plan for Irregular Expenses

Some expenses don’t occur monthly. Set aside a portion of money each month for annual or semi-annual expenses like car insurance or property taxes.

Tip 7: Make Use of Alerts and Reminders

Set up alerts for bill payments and low balances. This can often be done through your bank or budgeting app.

By following these detailed steps and examples, you’ll be better equipped to manage your finances effectively and maintain a budget that supports your financial goals.