Four budgeting hacks for young professionals who want to master their money
Aug 21, 2024, 18:18 IST
Starting your career often means balancing a modest salary with the desire to enjoy life. Learning to manage your finances early on is key to setting yourself up for long-term success, but traditional advice often overlooks the psychological side of spending. How do you budget wisely without feeling restricted? Economics lecturers Amr Saber Algarhi and Konstantinos Lagos share four smart strategies in The Conversation.
Rethinking budgeting: It isn’t just about pinching pennies
Contrary to popular belief, budgeting isn’t about being stingy. Research shows that personal budgeting plays a major role in how we build wealth, often determining why some people thrive financially despite similar incomes. So, what’s the secret to crafting a budget that works for you?
Knowing your numbers
The foundation of any budget starts with understanding your income. Whether it’s your paycheck, side gigs, or freelance work, knowing exactly what you bring in is crucial. Then, track every pound and penny you spend — yes, even those sneaky impulse purchases. Break your expenses into two categories: “essentials” (like rent, utilities and groceries) and “luxuries” (such as getting brunch with friends or catching a movie). This awareness will help you make smarter decisions and identify where adjustments are needed.
Budgeting techniques
Now that you’ve mapped out your income and expenses, how do you put it into practice? Here are some budgeting techniques designed to fit different lifestyles and personalities.
1. The 50/30/20 rule
This simple rule divides your income into three categories: 50% for essentials, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings or debt repayment. It strikes a balance between enjoying life and securing your financial future.
2. Zero-based budgeting
Every pound has a purpose. With zero-based budgeting, your income minus expenses equals zero, meaning you assign each bit of your income to a specific need. This method keeps your spending intentional and helps avoid overspending.
3. Pay yourself first
This technique flips traditional budgeting on its head. You save first — putting money aside for the future — and then spend what’s left. It’s a powerful way to prioritise savings without sacrificing too much of today’s enjoyment.
4. The envelope system
For those who need a tangible method, the envelope system separates your money into different spending categories. Once an envelope is empty, you’ve hit your limit. While this might seem old-fashioned, digital versions of this method exist for more tech-savvy budgeters!
Customising your approach
One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to budgeting. If you struggle with impulse spending, a simpler approach that focuses on hitting a savings target might work better. Conversely, those with better self-control may benefit from detailed budgets for specific categories. A flexible approach might be best for those who need room to adapt to life’s ups and downs.
Budgeting doesn’t have to feel restrictive. The key to successful budgeting is finding a method that aligns with your personality and goals. By mastering your money habits and incorporating these techniques, you’ll be laying the groundwork for a financially secure future — without sacrificing life’s little pleasures.
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Rethinking budgeting: It isn’t just about pinching pennies
Contrary to popular belief, budgeting isn’t about being stingy. Research shows that personal budgeting plays a major role in how we build wealth, often determining why some people thrive financially despite similar incomes. So, what’s the secret to crafting a budget that works for you?Knowing your numbers
The foundation of any budget starts with understanding your income. Whether it’s your paycheck, side gigs, or freelance work, knowing exactly what you bring in is crucial. Then, track every pound and penny you spend — yes, even those sneaky impulse purchases. Break your expenses into two categories: “essentials” (like rent, utilities and groceries) and “luxuries” (such as getting brunch with friends or catching a movie). This awareness will help you make smarter decisions and identify where adjustments are needed.Budgeting techniques
Now that you’ve mapped out your income and expenses, how do you put it into practice? Here are some budgeting techniques designed to fit different lifestyles and personalities.1. The 50/30/20 rule
This simple rule divides your income into three categories: 50% for essentials, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings or debt repayment. It strikes a balance between enjoying life and securing your financial future.
2. Zero-based budgeting
Every pound has a purpose. With zero-based budgeting, your income minus expenses equals zero, meaning you assign each bit of your income to a specific need. This method keeps your spending intentional and helps avoid overspending.
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This technique flips traditional budgeting on its head. You save first — putting money aside for the future — and then spend what’s left. It’s a powerful way to prioritise savings without sacrificing too much of today’s enjoyment.
4. The envelope system
For those who need a tangible method, the envelope system separates your money into different spending categories. Once an envelope is empty, you’ve hit your limit. While this might seem old-fashioned, digital versions of this method exist for more tech-savvy budgeters!
Customising your approach
One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to budgeting. If you struggle with impulse spending, a simpler approach that focuses on hitting a savings target might work better. Conversely, those with better self-control may benefit from detailed budgets for specific categories. A flexible approach might be best for those who need room to adapt to life’s ups and downs.Budgeting doesn’t have to feel restrictive. The key to successful budgeting is finding a method that aligns with your personality and goals. By mastering your money habits and incorporating these techniques, you’ll be laying the groundwork for a financially secure future — without sacrificing life’s little pleasures.