如何 管理预算

If a budget is going to help you reach your goals and live financially well, it must be realistic. Periodically revisiting and (if necessary) revising your budget will help keep your budget realistic so you can rely on it to build your financial well-being. Although keeping tabs on your finances can feel like a pain at first, the sense of financial well-being it brings makes it worth it!

我应该什么时候 检查我的预算?

You should review your budget at least once a year, though most people find it useful to revisit at least every six months. There are also 5 other times you should revisit your budget.

1. 如果你发现你是 living paycheck-to-paycheck

If there’s nothing left to save at the end of the month – or if your debt has grown due to charging monthly expenses like groceries – that’s a sure sign you need to revisit your budget. Take a close look at where your money is going and see where you can cut back on expenses that are wants rather than needs.

娱乐, dining out and clothing are three common spending categories where it’s easy to go over budget. It’s all about trade-offs. If you love going out to eat with friends because you enjoy hanging out with them, suggest a less expensive restaurant or host a potluck at your house. If you love buying trendy clothes, consider buying from a second-hand store or website instead of buying new.

2. 如果你的收入 上升或下降

加薪了? Now’s not the time to treat yourself to extra shopping trips and increasing dining out. 而不是, set the extra monthly money aside to pay down debt, 增加储蓄, and achieve one of your financial goals. On the other hand, if you’re lost your job or 减薪, take an honest look at your budget and adjust your spending according to what you really need and can afford.

3. 如果你的 费用发生了变化

如果你 given birth to a child, 买了房子, changed to a job with a longer commute or paid off a loan, your monthly expenses have probably changed. Take a look at where your money is going now and adjust your budget accordingly.

4. 如果你的 目标变了

Have your goals changed for the year or the season of life? Maybe you want to pay off your car this year, begin saving for a 孩子的教育, or plan a dream vacation. Any time your financial goals change, take an honest look at your budget. Saving an extra $20, $50 or $100 a month will make a difference to these goals.

And if you’re accomplished a goal, like paying off your credit card debt -对你有好处! Now you probably have a little extra cash on hand each month. Be responsible with it, and ask yourself how you can use this extra money to reach your goals.

5. 如果你 inherited money or received a bonus

Large sums of money don’t come along very often. Be smart and resist the temptation to blow it on something major like a new car or a luxury vacation. Having a large sum really empowers you – to pay off debt quickly, make a down payment on a home，或者投资于你的 退休储蓄. Allocate the money towards a goal you had before you received the lump sum.

要问的问题 更好地管理我的预算

When it does come time to revisit your budget, there’s 5 questions to ask yourself that help determine whether your budget is realistic.

1. 我的收入有变化吗??
2. Have any of my expenses gone up or down?
3. Do I have more or less debt?
4. Have my goals changed, and how does this budget help me meet my goals?
5. Is this a budget that I can really stick to?

Are you thinking about creating a budget? 读 如何预算 开始吧.