Budget Question

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-09-2008
Budget Question
6
Sat, 04-04-2009 - 7:58pm
I'm trying to work on a budget so that my husband and I have some type of a plan to get us out of this mountain of debt. I was just curious as to how everyone does their budget-what you include. Any input would be appreciated!
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-02-1998
Tue, 04-07-2009 - 4:46pm

I make up a couple of columns first listing the fixed expenses that come out at the beginning of the month then list the fixed expenses for the 2nd half. Then I know what I have left for the variable expenses.
for me fixed expenses would be mortgage/rent, car loan payments, insurance payments (health and car) utilities (I do equal billing so it is the same cost all year round) phone, RRSP/RESP autowithdrawals.
Variables are everything else - groceries, entertainment, gifts, car expenses (gas, repairs) clothing, CC payments, and misc things I may have missed.

I know I have missed something but hope this at least gets you started.

Sharon





iVillage Member
Registered: 10-01-2008
Wed, 04-08-2009 - 8:50am

I do a fairly simple excel spread sheet.

Norma


"Patience is the best remedy for every trouble"- Plautus


iVillage Member
Registered: 08-04-2008
Wed, 04-08-2009 - 10:05am

First, I like to call it a spending plan, rather than a budget.




iVillage Member
Registered: 05-20-2005
Wed, 04-08-2009 - 12:40pm

I typed out a long response the other day and somehow it disappeared so here I go again......lol.


I use Excel to do my budget.

Wedding
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-01-2008
Wed, 04-08-2009 - 12:43pm
One thing we can all save positive about spreadsheets.

Norma


"Patience is the best remedy for every trouble"- Plautus


iVillage Member
Registered: 08-04-2008
Wed, 04-08-2009 - 1:34pm

Right Norma - I have used a list or spreadsheet since I got my first real paycheck after college.