What should I include in my budget?

When creating a budget, you should include all sources of income and expenses. Here are some of the items you should consider including in your budget:

1. Income: Your income should include your salary, wages, bonuses, tips, and any other sources of income.
2. Fixed expenses: Fixed expenses are expenses that remain the same each month, such as rent or mortgage payments, car payments, insurance premiums, and utilities.
3. Variable expenses: Variable expenses are expenses that can change from month to month, such as groceries, dining out, entertainment, and shopping.
4. Debt payments: If you have any debts, such as credit card debt or student loans, be sure to include the minimum payments in your budget.
5. Savings: You should also include a category for savings, such as an emergency fund, retirement savings, or savings for a specific goal.
6. Irregular expenses: Irregular expenses are expenses that do not occur every month, such as car repairs, medical bills, or holiday shopping. You should allocate a portion of your budget to these expenses to avoid being caught off guard.
7. Taxes: If you are self-employed or have other sources of income that are not subject to withholding, be sure to include taxes in your budget.

Remember, the key to creating a successful budget is to be thorough and include all of your income and expenses. This will help you gain a clear understanding of your financial situation and make better decisions about how to allocate your resources.