Building, creating and starting a budget is a big step to make. You want to be sure you have set up your budget the right way, according to your personality, to ensure the budget works the BEST for you. So, before your start a budget, ask yourself this:
Am I a Saver or a Spender?
Think about what your personality leans more towards… in relationship with money.
Are you a spender or a saver?
You may be a spender if you:
- live pay check to pay check
- are always wanting the “next” thing… have a long wishlist of items
- you “buy now” without thinking twice
- have multiple jobs to cover all your expenses
- party without thinking about the price of items
You may be a saver if you:
- check your bank accounts frequently
- refrain from going out with friends to “expensive” restaurants
- always try to find away around fees
- hold your self back from luxuries (vacations, clothing, etc.) because you feel guilty spending the money on it
Every Day Dollar has a great Spender or Saver Quiz you can take as well. You can also ask yourself these questions before you start a budget.
Now that you know if you are a spender or saver, let’s look at some budget options.
Which option is the best to start a budget?
Now that you know if you are a spender or a saver, lets look into a couple of the popular budget options out there. You want to be sure the option fits with your spending/saving personality, so you’ll enjoy working with it more.
1. Mapping your Future
This budget is directed more towards “spenders”. You write down your values and goals, and pay yourself first.
2. Budgeting when you Suck at Budgeting
Another great budget for spenders. This budget helps you to think through some of the bills and others you have and to swap those out. It also encourages you to create a savings, retirement, and add in the fun stuff too!
3. Budgeting from Scratch
If you are noticing a pattern here… most budgets are going to lean towards spenders (savers tend to already have a system in place). Either way… this is a good one for both. It has you begin tracking your spending, then building your budget from there. Then, you work towards taking out expenses and adding in savings. This option also promotes automating your bills.
4. Get Started- Dave Ramsey
I love this guy. 4 simple steps to start you budget. This is defiantly for a saver. It’s simple and to the point. As savers you tend to already know what’s going on… so to start a budget will give your more guidelines and organization.
5. Creating a Budget
This is another great option for the savers. Savers typically want to have a budget, so they can reduce their expenses and INCREASE their savings. This budget encourages you to set money goals and work towards those.
6. 4 Easy Steps to Create a Budget
I am a saver. This budget allows you to see what you are already spending money on, figure out what you bring in, then divide up the money to where it needs to go. It allows you to focus on your immediate needs, comfort needs, and wants.
In conclusion
as you can see, there are MANY different ways to start a budget… all of which are very similar. To be honest, just getting started (it doesn’t matter how) is going to be the best and FIRST step to start a budget.
How long have you had a budget? Comment below.
If you are a soon to be grad transitioning from college to a career check out this step to step guide from transitioning into the workplace, setting up a budget and goals, and figuring out housing.
Further Reading:
6 Things to do Before you Budget
8 Reasons you are Always Over Budget
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