I think budgeting and practical finances should be taught at multiple stages throughout a student’s life. I thought I knew the general idea but didn’t appreciate how much neglecting it would set me back.

What is your process for budgeting? As a starting point this article lists a few methods.

I use zero based budgeting where every dollar is assigned a purpose. I don’t end up sticking exactly to the plan, but I do keep a spreadsheet which lists my current balances and all expected expenses, so I can see my future balance and avoid going in the red. A couple times a month I cross off expenses which have been paid and update the balance. This is especially helpful to me because a big portion of my income is irregular month to month.

  • thorbot@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    3
    ·
    10 months ago

    I don’t really budget. If I notice my credit card amount seems super high, I chill out on spending for a while.

    • LesserAbe@lemmy.worldOP
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      3
      ·
      10 months ago

      Would you be willing to share how old you are? When I was younger I was a little more blase about it, but now I’m about 40 and thinking damn I wish I had savings and more in my 401k

      • thorbot@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        2
        ·
        edit-2
        10 months ago

        I have savings and a 401k. I’m your age. $1k per month is auto deposited into savings and 12% per paycheck into retirement.