Navigating your budget can be challenging, especially when dealing with variable expenses and unpredictable income. This post will provide strategies to manage your money effectively, regardless of these variations.

Setting Financial Goals

Any money system, be it a budget or spending plan, should be based on your financial goals. Whether you aspire to retire a multi-millionaire, buy a beach house, or be debt-free by a certain age, incorporating these goals into your money system is vital. Therefore, it’s essential to set aside time to identify what you want to achieve with your money.

Achieving your financial goals is all about feeling happy and secure. Use this step-by-step guide to set the right financial goals and achieve them sooner rather than later. Listen in the player below: 

Understanding the Budget Baseline

Before crafting a realistic budget, knowing your baseline living expenses is necessary. Start with your financial transactions from the past three months to get an understanding of your fixed and discretionary expenditures. Remember to account for expenses paid quarterly or annually in your budget by dividing them into monthly amounts.

Adding Financial Goals

Once you’ve identified your average monthly living expenses, supplement your budget baseline with your financial goals. Treat these goals as “expenses” you owe yourself monthly. If you’re self-employed, remember to include taxes in your baseline expenses.

Identifying Discretionary Expenses

After determining your baseline living expenses, you can identify discretionary expenses. These are costs that are not critical for short- or long-term survival but can add up over the trend. When budgeting, keep in mind that you can’t make better financial decisions if you are not mindful of where your money is going.

Establishing an Ultra-Conservative Budget

The vital part of managing unreliable finances includes creating an ultra-conservative budget. This requires taking an average of your income from the lowest-earning months to help keep your spending in check. The key is to develop a strategy not to spend more than your conservative budget irrespective of your actual income.

What app should you use when making a budget? Laura shares ten of the best free and paid personal finance tools and budgeting apps to consider, especially if you’re looking to replace Mint after its discontinuation. Listen in the player below:

Using a Holding Account

A holding account can be particularly handy when managing a budget with variable income. Income should be deposited into this account before being transferred to other accounts for expenses. A golden rule is to build up at least two months of your high-end average income as a reserve in this account.

Importance of Patience and Perseverance

It’s worth mentioning that budgeting with variable costs and income isn’t a one-off occurrence; it’s a continuous process requiring patience and experimentation. Consider using different techniques or applications that work best for your circumstances.

Preparing for Financial Curveballs

Having an emergency fund is critical to manage unexpected expenses and maintain your financial steadiness. If building a cash reserve in your holding account feels challenging, you may need to consider supplementary income sources like a second job or seasonal work.

Accomplishing your financial goals requires establishing a consistent money management system and sticking to good habits, no matter how minor they may seem. Remember that sacrifices made today will only shape a better and financially secure tomorrow. With these steps, you can take control of your cash flow, build wealth, and fulfil your financial goals.