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My topic will be on Budgeting. In this padlet, I will show how budgeting helps you to be in control of one's finances without panicking. It is not about being rigid; it's not about saying no to things that you enjoy, but all about making sure that you can afford what really matters to you.

Real-life stuff: tracking your spending on a day-to-day basis, setting aside money for things like that dream vacation or an emergency fund, and making good choices so you aren't totally stressed out by the end of the month.

Let’s get into it!

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This video gives a very realistic, accessible approach to budgeting—without feeling like you're being confined. It's about coming up with a plan that works with your life and priorities, not about cutting out everything you love. Those major tips include tracking income versus expenses, using the 50/30/20 rule (50% for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings or debt), and setting meaningful goals—like saving for a vacation or building up an emergency fund. Review your budget to make adjustments. It is just a matter of being very intentional with your money while still enjoying life.

I choose this video because this video has a super relatable approach to budgeting-it's not about feeling restricted or cutting out everything you enjoy. Rather, it is to make a plan that works for your life and priorities. Some pretty simple yet effective tips: track your earnings and expenses, use the 50/30/20 rule, and set meaningful goals like saving for a vacation or building up an emergency fund. It also helps to revisit the budget now and then so that one can change when need be. Big idea: If your money is directed with a purpose, you are allowed to enjoy life while remaining secure.

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What Is A Budget? | Cash Course | PragerU Kids

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This video will demonstrate how to create a monthly budget that is manageable. Before it can be tracked, it is necessary to know where the money is going. She goes on to suggest that one should compile a list of all of his expenses, including groceries, rent, entertainment, and so forth, and then classify them.

They also recommend using tools, be it apps or spreadsheets, to make budgeting less painful and more accessible. They speak of reasonable limits within each category but still allow for wiggle room. The moral of the story: A good budget isn't about deducting yourself; rather it helps you manage your finances in a way that fits your life and enables you to enjoy what's genuinely important to you.

I chose this video because it breaks down budgeting in a way that feels practical and approachable, especially for beginners. It doesn’t just give abstract advice—it provides clear, actionable steps that anyone can follow, like tracking expenses, organizing them into categories, and using tools like apps or spreadsheets to stay on top of your finances. What I love most is how it emphasizes flexibility, showing that a budget doesn’t have to feel restrictive. Instead, it’s a tool to help you make smarter financial decisions while still enjoying the things you love. The video’s focus on balance and personalization makes it relatable and easy to incorporate into everyday life.

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How To Make The 50-30-20 Budget Work For You | Clever Girl Finance

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Common mistakes we all do wile budgeting

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Common mistakes we all do wile budgeting

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This video illuminates the top 10 most common budgeting mistakes that make managing money such a difficult thing. It starts with the basics: tracking spending-if you don't know where your money is going, it's so easy to overspend. Many set budgets unrealistically or refrain from savings altogether, which leaves them completely unprepared for emergencies. Besides that, neglecting irregular expenses, such as car repairs, or not making adjustments in life as it changes may throw one's finance off kilter. Impulse purchases and overusing one's credit cards create debt where there need not be any. Further, confusing wants with needs hinders saving. For families, poor communication of finances can breed conflict. This video emphasizes saving, planning, and teamwork in developing a solid financial foundation.

I chose this video because it gives more real-life views on many simple errors that most of us make in budgeting. It explains these issues in a simple, easy-to-understand manner, making it more feasible to identify where we could be going wrong with our budgets. What really impressed me was that it focuses only on the importance of periodic adjustment and communication, particularly when it comes to families sharing finances. Tips would, of course, be doable and realistic, with how one could get around the pitfalls such as overspending, not saving, and impulsive buying. Overall, this video makes budgeting less overwhelming and more workable with everyday life.

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This video will cover the best budgeting apps of 2024 and Mint alternatives, from very detailed financial planning with YNAB-You Need A Budget-and ease of use with EveryDollar to Personal Capital for those who want to track their investments along with the budget. In each application, it discusses usability, bank account syncing, pricing, and how well the app supports varied financial goals. This video emphasizes finding the application for your style, whether that means tracking day-to-day spending, working towards big goals, or even monitoring your investments. In reality, it's actually supposed to help people pick the right tool and manage their money effectively.

I chose this because it's an extremely in-depth video, comparing quite a few of the most popular budgeting apps. This will greatly help viewers in making an informed choice based on personal financial habits and goals. The clarity and explanations given to match these tools with personal styles will make this video invaluable in your quest to simplify your process of budgeting and maintaining good money management practices

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BEST Budgeting Apps 2024 {Mint Alternatives}

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This budgeting guide is easy to follow and quite straightforward: First, it will show you how to work out your income and document your expenses-both fixed, such as rent, and flexible, such as groceries or entertainment. Emphasis is put on you setting priorities for your spending to always cover the most important ones first. The book also encourages setting money aside for savings and cutting back on unnecessary expenses where you can. Plus, it reminds one to adjust the budget in accordance with the changes in one's financial situation. It's a real tool to keep you in control and help you make wiser decisions about money.

I chose this website because it breaks down budgeting in a very simplistic, feasible manner, even if one is just beginning with financial management. Step-by-step instructions are clear and practical to follow along in creating a budget that works for you. It doesn't hit one with a load of technicalities or complicated processes-a very good thing for people who get overwhelmed with the very notion of budgeting. On the contrary, it focuses on quite realistic steps such as categorizing your expenses and income that would make one understand where the money's going and make such replacements to keep finances in order. This indeed is an empowering guide for people to take control over their finances and make informed decisions.

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How do I start a budget?

Start a budget by gathering your bills and pay stubs. Think about how you spend money, besides paying your bills. For example, do you buy a cup of coffee every day? After a month, that coffee money could add up to an expense you might write down.

When you have your bills and pay stubs:

write down your expenses. An expense is money you spend

write down how much money you make. This is called income

subtract your expenses from how much money you make

If the number is less than zero, you are spending more money than you make. Look for things in your budget you can change. Maybe something you do not need, or a way to spend less.

Use this Budget Worksheet to help you.

What if I don't get paid every month?

Some people do not get paid every month. If you expect things to be like they were last year, do this:

add all the money you earned last year

divide that number by 12. This is about how much money you will have for each month

For Example

Last year my paychecks added up to $30,000.
$30,000 ÷ 12 = $2,500
I had about $2,500 each month.

How can I use my budget?

A budget is something you use every month. A written budget will help you:

see where you spend money

see where you can save

make a plan for how to spend and save your money

Your budget can help you save money for the future. You can make savings one of your expenses. You might find ways to spend less money. Then you can put money into savings every month - maybe into a bank or credit union.

Why should I save money?

It can be hard to save money. It is very hard when your expenses go up and your income does not. Here are some reasons to try to save money even when it is not easy.

Emergencies - Saving small amounts of money now might help you later. Everyone has expenses they do not expect.

Expensive things - Sometimes, we have to pay for expensive things - like a car, a trip, or a security deposit on an apartment. You will have more choices if you have money to pay for those expensive things.

Your goals - You might want to pay for college classes. Maybe you need to visit family in another country. You can plan for these goals and save money. Then you might not have to use a credit card or borrow money to pay.

How else can I save money?

You can try these ways to help save money:

For one month, write down everything you spend. Small expenses, like a cup of coffee, can add up to a lot of money. When you know where you are spending your money, you can decide what you might not want to buy.

Pay with your credit card only if you can pay the full amount when the bill comes. That way, you do not pay interest on what you owe.

Pay your bills when they are due. That way, you will not owe late fees or other charges.

Keep the money you are saving separate from the money you spend.

Consider opening a savings account in a bank or credit union. Read more about opening a bank account.

If you keep cash at home, keep the money you are saving separate from your spending money. Keep all your cash someplace safe.

For Example

What I did not buy this month:

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Start a budget by gathering your bills and pay stubs. Think about how you spend money, besides paying your bills. For example, do you buy a cup of coffee every day? After a month, that coffee money could add up to an expense you might write down.

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This article is a straightforward guide to help you create a budget and take control of your money. It'll help you work out how much you earn and spend every month, separating fixed costs. It also identifies the need to clearly establish goals, such as saving for emergencies or paying off debt. It means the article recommends that one keep a track of all spending for a month to understand one's habits and use the 50/30/20 rule-50% of income into needs, 30% into wants, and 20% into savings or debt. This means that it is about revisiting your budget regularly in order to maintain finances on course.

I have chosen this website because it really gives a step-by-step guide in clear terms that are very easy to follow and practical for any person willing to be in control of his or her finances. The tips are simple, effective, and to the point: track your spending, make a plan that balances needs, wants, and savings using the 50/30/20 rule. It also enumerates the importance of review and adjustment on a regular basis in keeping one on course.. The site was alluring due to the fact that it considers the actionable tips to make budgeting achievable, not overwhelming. Additionally, it is relevant from a Canadian perspective; hence, it provides resources relevant to the local audience in their financial setting.

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7 Steps to a Budget Made Easy - My Money Coach

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Learn how to save money and make smart financial choices

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making a budget according to Government Of Canada

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making a budget according to Government Of Canada

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The Making a budget-a Canada.ca guide is a handy tool to help you take control of your money. It will take you through how to set financial goals, such as paying off debt, saving for a house, or building up an emergency fund. You'll learn to track your income and your expenses so you know exactly where your money's going. The handbook puts an emphasis on needs above wants, helping one to identify necessary spending while cutting extra spending. It also provides helpful tools, like a Budget Planner, to help you make a personalized budget and provide tips to save more and reduce costs. The steps illustrated in this guide will enable you to feel in control and more confident about managing your money.

I chose this website because it provides a practical, step-by-step guide for Canadians on how to personalize a budget. The guide emphasizes setting meaningful financial goals, such as paying off debt or saving down payments for a house, and provides the participant with some valuable tools like the Budget Planner, which makes preparation of a budget easier. It is uniquely focused on distinguishing needs from wants to enable the user to identify essential expenses and areas to cut back on. In the same light, the tips given for saving and cost-cutting are so simple to apply that money management seems quite a accomplishable feat. It instills confidence as this resource actually provides readers with the tools needed to manage their financial lives.

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Why make a budget

A budget is a plan that helps you manage your money. It helps you figure out how much money you get, spend and save. Making a budget can help you balance your income with your savings and expenses. It guides your spending to help you reach your financial goals.

A budget is especially important if you:

don't know where your money is going

don't save regularly

have problems paying off your debts

feel overwhelmed by your finances

feel like you're not in control of your finances

want to make the most of your money

are planning for a major purchase or a life event

Making a budget can help you:

set spending limits

find ways to pay down your debts

reduce costs and save more

live within your means

reduce financial stress

have more money for things that are important to you

feel in control of your finances

What to consider before you make a budget

Take these simple steps before you make your budget.

Think about your financial goals

Identify your short-term and long-term goals. Make saving for those goals part of your budget.

For example, goals may be:

Short-term goals:

paying off your credit card

reducing your weekly expenses

starting to build an emergency fund

Long-term goals:

paying off all of your debts

saving to buy a home or a car

saving to have children, to go to school or to retire

To deal with unexpected situations, create an emergency fund. Your emergency fund should provide you with enough money to cover your living expenses for 3 to 6 months. These amounts can sometimes seem out of reach. That is why you should start by saving a small amount on a regular basis.

Having an emergency fund will help you reduce financial stress and avoid getting trapped in a debt cycle.
Learn how to set up an emergency fund.
Know where your money is going

Tracking your money will help you figure out what comes in and what goes out of your pocket. Every dollar you spend affects your overall budget.

For example, if you spend $3 a day on coffee, it will cost you more than $1,000 a year.

To keep track of where your money is going, take note of what you spend.

Try this exercise for 1 or 2 months:

keep track of everything you buy, from groceries to a daily cup of coffee

keep track of bills you pay during this period, for example your telephone or internet bill

try dividing your expenses into 2 categories: "needs" and "wants"

Small changes to spending habits can have a major impact on your budget and your ability to save.
Find ways to save money before shopping.
Evaluate your needs and wants

Knowing the difference between your needs and your wants is key to making a smart budget.

A "need" is something that is necessary, required or essential. For example, a roof over your head, clothing, food, or medication.

A "want" is something that you'd like, but don't necessarily need. For example, meals at a restaurant, a trip, a gym membership, or designer shoes.

Needs and wants aren't the same for everyone. One person's "want" may be another person's "need". For example, if you live near a bus route, a car may be a want rather than a need. However, if you don't have access to public transit and can't move around otherwise, you may need a car.

Your needs and wants may also change over time. For example, a large house may be a need while you're raising a family. However, a condo or a smaller home may be what you need when your children move out.

Once you've figured out your needs and wants, you're ready to make your budget.

How to make a budget

In order to make a useful budget you need an effective tool that is easy to use.

The Budget Planner is a tool that allows you to create a personalized budget and save it online. It gives you tips and guidelines and helps you figure out your next steps with suggestions. It also creates charts that show you where your money is going. You also have the option to compare your budget with those of other Canadians like you.
Use the Budget Planner to make a budget.
Steps to make a budget

Take the following simple steps to make your budget.

Step 1: List your income, savings and expenses

take your recent pay stubs, bills, and account statements

enter the amount of income, savings and expenses into each category of the Budget Planner

if you can't find a field for a specific item, you can always add and name your own items

When you're done, review the amounts to make sure you didn't forget anything. These items should represent your current situation.

As you're entering data, the tool will give you tips to help you save more and/or spend less. Consider those tips to balance your budget.

When you're done creating your budget, save it online so you can return to it anywhere, at any time.

Step 2: Review your results

The results section provides you with average guidelines. These guidelines tell you what Canadians usually spend or save for each budget category, for example, food, housing, clothing, insurance.

Look at the different alerts you receive for each category:

green thumbs up: this amount is within the average range

yellow warning sign: this amount is slightly above the average range

red hand sign: this amount is above the average range

These alerts will help you determine where you should focus your attention or try to reduce costs. Everyone's situation is different and while the guidelines can't apply to everybody, they provide a good starting point.

Review your results graphics, they give you a clear visual of your overall budget. You'll see a graphic that shows you how your budget compares to those of other Canadians in similar situations. It's valuable to compare your financial habits with people with similar age, income, housing and family situation.

Step 3: Review your next steps

In the next steps section, the tool gives you personalized suggestions. These suggestions are based on your situation and what you have entered in your budget. They help you figure out your next steps whether you have money left or are overspending.

Read them carefully and follow the links to useful educational tools and content to improve your budget.

Tips to help you stick to your budget

Now that you have a budget, try to stick to it and improve it as you go.

To help you with this task, try the following:

keep all your receipts and bills

limit your spending as much as possible to what's in your budget

update your budget with any changes, for example, a pay raise or a bill increase

compare your budget to what you actually spend at the end of each month

Evaluate your budget from time to time. If your actual spending often varies from your budget, adjust your figures to make it more realistic.

When comparing your budget to your actual spending, ask yourself the following questions:

are there large differences between your actual spending and your budget

which categories have the largest differences

are differences due to an unusual situation or is this likely to happen each month

can you save enough money to reach your financial goals or pay off your debts

Continue with this exercise each month. You can set a reminder or book time in your calendar to review your budget regularly. If you make it a habit, you are more likely to stay on track.

Related links

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budget; managing your money; financial goals; tracking my money; my financial needs; my financial wants; tracking your money; your financial needs and your wants; budget planner; personal budget; budget maker

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Tips on how to make and stick to a budget. Consider your needs, wants, spending habits and financial goals.

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The following article articulates many of the great reasons why having a budget is such a smart financial move, as it provides the exact evidence of where your money is going to help you pay the most important expenses like rent and bills without any stress. It also enables one to save more easily for goals, whether that is to buy a car, pay off debt, or build up your retirement fund. It helps you avoid overspending and can still enable you to enjoy some stuff like traveling or dining out without an iota of guilt. Plus, by tracking your spending, you're less likely to miss payments. In the end, budgeting puts you in control and makes you confident about your choices in finance.

I chose this article because, somehow, it simplifies the reasons for budgeting in a manner that feels easy to understand and, thus, is realistic. It simply shows how budgeting is helpful when trying to handle such ordinary expenses as rent and bills while enabling an individual to save money for larger purchases, like buying a car or building savings
I really loved how the article brought out that budgeting is not all about living within your means; rather, it's about being confident and in control of money so one may enjoy life stress-free. The tips are very basic and practical, making it a perfect read for anyone looking to get started with managing finances.

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5 reasons to use a budget | Kawartha Credit Union

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If you’ve recently moved out on your own, started a new job, or even moved away to attend college or university, you may have to manage your own finances for the first time ever. And while you likely enjoy the chance to spend money how and when you want, this financial freedom comes with responsibility.

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I think what really shocked me about budgeting is how powerful and eye-opening it really is. Many people believe that budgeting is restrictive or boring, but usually, once they get started, they are shocked to find out how much money is slipping through the cracks due to minor things like daily coffee runs or some subscription they may have forgotten.It is incredible how much peace of mind a budget brings. People say this frees them in a sense, knowing exactly where their money is going; they can spend on the things that really matter to them without feeling any guilt or fear of running out of cash.

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It actually worked for me, especially the moment when I started to apply the 50-30-20 rule. It is so simple and yet so effective. I have allocated 50% toward living expenses, 30% toward saving or investments, and 20% to giving back or paying off debts. This system just worked with no hassle in managing my money. For example, should I want to prepare for a vacation, the 30% savings portion will become a guilt-free vacation fund. No dipping into money set aside for bills or daily living. It just works: this approach keeps me balanced, on track, and confident in the financial choices I make.

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If I had one thing that I could will or pass on to a family member or friend, it would be the insight into how budgeting has the power to bring clarity and control over their finances. I would share with them that such tools as the 50-30-20 rule have helped make decisions simpler to assure one is living within one's means, saving for the future, and still giving back or tackling debt. I’d emphasize tracking spending, even for just a month, because it’s amazing how small habits can add up. Most importantly, I’d remind them that a budget isn’t about restrictions—it’s about freedom. It’s a tool to help them achieve their goals and reduce stress about money.

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This image does a great job of breaking down what, really, a budget is. It's a plan for managing your money by estimating your income and expenses over time. It also reminds us that budgeting isn't a "set it and forget it" thing-you need to review it regularly to make sure it's still working for you.

I chose this picture because it is simple and straightforward. The illustrations involved, such as the calculator and charts, make it pretty relevant in handling money in real life. What impressed me most was the advice to go over your budget once again, which few other resources urge you to do in plenty of time.

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This picture explains the 50/30/20 budgeting rule, an easy way to manage finances well. It divides your income into three basic categories: 50% into needs, or in other words, all the essential things like rent and groceries; 30% into wants, which can be put into entertainment or travel; and finally, 20% into savings or debt repayment. The illustration demonstrates it all quite clearly for each of the three categories to make financial decisions without ever feeling deprived.

I chose this because it illustrates a budget in simple terms that are easy to follow. From what stood out in it, there are breakdowns of examples on each category, such as "subscriptions" for wants or "E-fund" for savings. Having it so detailed makes this 50/30/20 rule practical and tangible from the rest of the visuals on budgeting.