It’s never too late to start budgeting. Carefully thinking more about how to use your money could have great benefits, both now and in the future. Read on for some new tips or as a refresher on why everyone should budget:
Long term benefits
Even if you don’t have any long-term financial commitments like a mortgage or loans, a long-term plan can give you peace of mind and flexibility. What happens if you are unable to work, or there is an emergency and you need to pay for major repairs to your car or home? With some money saved, you can fall back on your savings to help cover unexpected costs.
Get control of your money
Money is the greatest source of anxiety for Britons, with 30% identifying it as, a far higher proportion than the next two biggest causes of anxiety, healthy and family (16%). It is said that budgeting gives you control of your money not your money controls you. Having a budget says you the stress of suddenly, having to adjust for an emergency or lack of funds because you didn’t initially plan how to spend them. It also allows you to decide whether you would prefer to sacrifice a short-term expense like buying a coffee on your way to work in exchange for a long-term expense like your dream vacation or that new HDTV.
Keeps you focused on your money goals
Save for the things that you want for the short or long term, this will help you avoid spending unnecessarily on items and services that don’t contribute towards your financial goals.If you are working with limited resources, then budgeting makes it easier to make ends meet.
Styles of spending
Everyone has their own shopping personalities and knowing your personal style can help you make better choices about looking after your money. If you tend to be an impulse buyer then why not make a pocket money budget each month, allowing you to buy whatever you like- as you never know when your circumstances may change. But if you prefer to plan things out, then spending time for some comparison shopping each week will help you dig out the best deals.
Helps manage your spendings and savings
By dividing your money into categories of expenditure and savings, a budget will show you in which group of spending takes which portion of your money. This way makes it easy for you to make adjustments. Budgeting also serves as a reference for organising your bills, receipts and financial reports. When all your finances are in order filing your tax return then it will save your time and stress.
Gives you an overall picture
When done correctly, budgeting allows you to see everything going in and out. Allowing you to see potential money problems in advance, and to be able to make adjustments before the problems appear. Or if you are good, nipping the problem before it appears. There are also a wide range of budgeting apps that will help you keep to your budget wherever you are.
Saving & Investments
There are a few ways to put money aside, such as having a savings account, pension or even investing it. Before you open new accounts or invest, you must work out the amount you want to put away, if there is a specific time period (the longer the better) and what your attitude of risk is. Without these main three points, you may find it difficult to know or how to use your savings. Ask your current bank what options they provide, but don’t forget to shop around for the best account to suit your needs.
To take on debt and how much?
Debt is not always a bad thing, especially if it is a sensible investment into your financial future, leaving you better off in the long-term and that you can afford it. Budgeting will show you how much debt you can realistically take without being stressed or if is even worth it. If you aren’t there yet, budgeting can be a useful financial tool to help you get out of bad debt.