How to Budget (2024)

FAQs

How to answer the budget question? ›

Go ahead and share your budget estimate, even if it's a broad range. Cite a high- and low-end, or give a more specific figure if you're comfortable doing so. If your budget depends on a variety of factors, be open about that. What considerations will impact how much you can spend?

Key Takeaways

The 50-30-20 budget rule states that you should spend up to 50% of your after-tax income on needs and obligations that you must have or must do. The remaining half should dedicate 20% to savings, leaving 30% to be spent on things you want but don't necessarily need.

To structure your answers effectively, you should use the STAR method, which stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. This method helps you to provide specific and concise details about your budget management experience, and to highlight your actions and outcomes.

To ask for a fee professionally, consider phrasing your question politely, showing you understand the value of the service. Here are some examples: "Could you please let me know what your fee is for this service?"

Start by determining your take-home (net) income, then take a pulse on your current spending. Finally, apply the 50/30/20 budget principles: 50% toward needs, 30% toward wants and 20% toward savings and debt repayment.

Basic Budgeting Method #1: The Classic Budget

Listing out your expenses, line by line, is a tried-and-true budgeting strategy. Get started by listing all of your monthly expenses in rows. This includes the needs (your rent or mortgage payments, car payments and insurance, cell phone bill, groceries, etc.)

Put 60% of your income towards your needs (including debts), 20% towards your wants, and 20% towards your savings. Once you've been able to pay down your debt, consider revising your budget to put that extra 10% towards savings.

The 50-30-20 rule recommends putting 50% of your money toward needs, 30% toward wants, and 20% toward savings. The savings category also includes money you will need to realize your future goals.

This infographic shows the following budget percentages, 10-20% for Insurance, 10-15% for Food, 10-15% for Savings, 10-15% for Transportation, 5-10% for Personal, 5-10% for Recreation, 5-10% for Utilities, 1-5% for Giving, 25-30% for Housing.

What is the zero-based budgeting method? ›

Zero-based budgeting (ZBB) is a method of budgeting in which all expenses must be justified for each new period. The process begins from a “zero base” and every function within an organization is analyzed for its needs and costs.

Prioritize spending on your basic needs, such as housing, food, and healthcare. Evaluate which expenses, such as eating out or subscriptions, you can reduce. Learn how to prioritize your expenses. Plan for the unexpected: An essential part of any budget involves considering unexpected expenses.

Neutralize the “no budget” objection

First, acknowledge that you understand what the prospect has said and recognize its validity. Then, tell them, “I understand. A few of my customers have gone through their budget quickly this year and are trying to get approval for an additional budget.”

Counter the monthly payment conversation: Your dealer may ask what you're hoping to pay for your car each month. Instead, tell your salesperson that you'd prefer discussing the car's out-the-door price and fair market value. If need be, you can always discuss refinancing your car loan down the road.

If you're not ready to give it, tell them before they ask. Don't leave them guessing. However, I don't recommend waiting till you say, “Yes, we have deal” to reveal your budget. Instead, leverage the information to understand what options are available and to help validate your budget requirements.

A budget is a plan you write down to decide how you will spend your money each month. A budget helps you make sure you will have enough money every month. Without a budget, you might run out of money before your next paycheck. A budget shows you: how much money you make.