Budgeting for Beginners: How to Start Saving Money Today

Unlocking Financial Freedom

Financial independence. The freedom to live life on your terms without fretting over your next paycheck is something many of us aspire to.

But how do we get there?

✨ Budgeting. ✨

In this blog, we'll run through how you can start budgeting and introduce you to the necessary knowledge and tools so you can start to take charge of your financial health.

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The Importance of Budgeting

Budgeting is the cornerstone of financial management. It's a roadmap to where your money goes and where you want it to go. But how do you start budgeting? Before diving into the details, let's run through why budgeting matters.

Budgeting helps you manage your money better, making sure that you can cover your needs while still having something left for wants and savings. Over time, budgeting reduces financial stress, helps avoid debt, and most importantly, brings you closer to financial independence.

Remember, budgeting is not always about restricting your spending, it's more about making informed decisions with your money. 🙌

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The Initial Steps

Budgeting might seem like a scary word at first, but it can be broken down into simple, manageable steps. Firstly, you need to know where your money is going. 👀

Start by tracking your income and expenses. Identify all your income sources and list down your fixed and variable expenses.

Fixed expenses are those that remain constant every month, like rent, mortgage payments, or insurance. Variable expenses change from month to month, such as groceries, utilities, entertainment, and personal care.

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‍Create Your Budget

Now that you have a clear picture of your income and expenses, the next step in how to start budgeting is to create your first budget. There are several types of budgets to choose from, but for beginners, the 50/30/20 rule is a good starting point.

The 50/30/20 rule is basically where you allocate 50% of your income to necessities, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings and debt repayment. It's a flexible guideline that can be adjusted based on your unique financial situation. 💖

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‍Stick With It

The next step in how to start budgeting is to stick to your budget. It's easier said than done, but there are ways to make the process smoother.

Budgeting apps can be really helpful when you need a bit of help with keeping track of your spending. Our AI assistant, Cleo, can help with this. In a big sis energy kinda way.

Setting a budget with Cleo is easy and she won't cost you a dime.

1) Get connected 🤝 – Download Cleo, sign up, and connect your checking account.
‍2) Income 💸 – Select your latest paycheck(s) so Cleo knows when you get paid
‍3) Bills 👀 – Add your bills and double-check to see if they’re right so they can be tracked correctly
‍4) Spend limit 🥡 – Set a realistic spend limit

Each month, she'll show you how much money you’ve got coming in and how much money you’ve got going out. Cleo will also alert you when your bills are due and how much you’re spending on certain categories including:

💡 Bills
‍🎂 Groceries
‍🏦 Bank charges (you suck)
‍💰 Loans
‍🚆 Transport
‍🛍️ Shopping

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‍Adjust Your Budget as Needed

Understanding how to start budgeting isn't just about creating a budget and sticking to it, but also about making necessary adjustments. Your budget isn't set in stone; it'll change as your life changes.

Perhaps you got a raise, or maybe your expenses have increased. In these cases, it's important to adjust your budget. Regularly reviewing and updating your budget ensures that it continues to work for you and your new financial needs.

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‍Savings and Investments

An essential part of learning how to start budgeting is understanding the importance of savings and investments. Remember the 20% we set aside in the 50/30/20 rule? That's where this comes in.

Cleo can help you save in a way that suits you.

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‍Overcoming Budgeting Challenges

Finally, knowing how to start budgeting also means being prepared for potential challenges. You might find it hard to stick to your budget, or unexpected expenses might throw your plans off course.

If you overspend in one area, try to cut back in another. If an unexpected expense comes up, see if you can adjust your budget or dip into your savings. Remember, budgeting is a journey, not a destination, baby.

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A Dime Saved Today Is Financial Independence Tomorrow ✨

Learning how to start budgeting might seem daunting, but with patience, consistency, and a little bit of effort, you can create a budget that works for you and brings you closer to financial independence. Start today, and take the first step towards a more secure financial future. Remember, budgeting isn't about restriction; it's about making informed decisions that align with your financial goals.

For more tips and tricks, here's How to Create a Budget With Cleo.

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Big love. Cleo 💙