对很多人来说，在 预算 是他们的首要任务吗. 然而, developing 和 sticking to a budget isn’t always a simple task. 创建复杂的电子表格, learning 预算 software 和 dealing with spending restrictions — all of these things can end up derailing even the most dedicated budgeter.
Here’s a synopsis of a simple — but effective — approach to 预算.
机制
Start by splitting your monthly 收入 into three simple “buckets” or budget percentages:
- 50%用于需求，
- 20%用于储蓄，还有
- 想要的30%.
Your goal is to spend only the money you have coming in each month. Try to wean yourself off of making purchases or payments on credit, if applicable. From there, follow these four simple guidelines.
1. 确定你的月收入
术语“收入” refers to the money (after taxes) that you have available to spend each month. This might be based on your paycheck or some sort of freelance 收入 after related expenses are paid. 你也可以包括以下收入:
- 副业或赚钱的爱好;
- 投资收益,
- 赡养费和孩子抚养费，还有
- 政府福利.
把这些收入来源加起来. This is the amount you have available to budget each month.
2. 预算50%用于“需求”
Your needs allocation should include required essential expenses, such as:
- Rent or mortgage payments (including property taxes savings if you don’t escrow),
- Utilities (including water, garbage, electricity, gas, cable 和 phone),
- 食物(只吃杂货，不外出就餐);
- 汽车汽油、通勤通行证和通行费，
- 住房，汽车和人寿保险，还有
- 服装(在合理范围内).
- Child support 和 alimony for those who must pay them.
The amount of your needs budget is easy to determine — it’s just one half of your available 收入. So let’s say your after-tax monthly 收入 is $3,500. Your needs budget should be $1,750 (or less).
If you’re spending more than 50% on needs, think about trimming some of your fixed expenses. 例如, spend less on groceries with coupons 和 weekly specials, carpool to work with a friend or switch to a cheaper internet, 电话或有线电视计划.
3. 留出20%作为“储蓄”
Don’t ignore savings when you’re making a budget. Having some money tucked away in a savings account may make you less likely to go into debt to pay for a costly, 计划外的费用. 当你需要现金储蓄时, you should also be funding a retirement account which you don’t touch.
The 50-20-30 预算 approach suggests including any debt payments (other than your mortgage) in this 20% savings bucket. 一开始，这可能说不通. 然而, the idea is that after you pay off nagging debts (like student loans, car payments 和 credit cards) that money should go toward savings, rather than toward your needs or wants budgets.
So, 如果你的月税后收入是3美元,500, you should save or pay off debt of about $700 each month ($3,500倍20%). If you’re not meeting this goal, consider cutting costs in your needs 和 wants categories.
4. Limit Spending on “Wants” to 30% of Your Monthly Income
It’s smart to budget some money — even if your 收入 is tight — for things you enjoy. Doing so may help keep you from experiencing “frugal fatigue” 和 blowing your budget altogether.
再一次。, 假设你有3美元,每月税后收入500英镑, 你可以花1美元,在你喜欢的不重要的东西上花50美元(3美元),500倍30%).
需求的例子包括:
- Eating out 和 getting lattes from your favorite coffee shop,
- 健身房会员或综合健身课程，
- 孩子的课外活动，
- 假期,
- Entertainment, such as going to movies 和 downloading music.
- Clothing that is more want-based than need-based.
If you’re spending less than 30% on your wants category, are your needs 和 savings buckets too large? 注意不要在必需品上吝啬太多. Having this category may end up being the “secret weapon” that helps you stick to your budget.
成功的秘诀
There’s a simple equation for developing a monthly budget that will last throughout the year: 50% plus 20% plus 30% equals a 100% doable monthly budget.
For more information, contact Jane Ochsman Rowny via our 网上联络表格.
委员,葡京会手机app下载 & 老葡京手机app(老葡京手机app) is a professional services firm delivering tax, accounting 和 business advisory expertise throughout the Mid-Atlantic region from offices in 马里兰州贝塞斯达 和 华盛顿特区.
