FINANCIAL

Blueprint.      

by Ben Scott.

Part 2: Blueprint/Budget.  Welcome back to the money mindset 10 part series. Part 1 focused on the foundation, your mindset for handling your finances. Now we will be moving into the blueprint of your finances, the budget.  A monthly financial budget serves as a blueprint to manage income and expenses effectively. It involves a deliberate and disciplined approach to allocating funds for various needs and priorities while also planning for future goals. This will allow you to gain a clearer understanding of your financial situation, make informed decisions, and ultimately achieve greater stability and freedom. 

To set up your monthly budget, begin with identifying income sources and categorizing your expenses for example, fixed ( such as rent or mortgage), essentials ( such as electricity, food) and non essentials( such as entertainment, subscriptions). By tracking expenses diligently, you can identify areas where you may be overspending and make necessary adjustments to stay within budgetary limits. Additionally, a monthly financial budget encourages saving for emergencies, retirement, and other long-term goals, ensuring financial security and peace of mind in the future. I recommend using a budgeting app or program to get you on the right track. The EveryDollar app from Dave Ramsey is a good and trusted app to use.

Furthermore, adopting a monthly financial budget fosters responsible financial habits and encourages mindful spending. It promotes prioritizing needs over wants, distinguishing between essential and discretionary expenses, and making conscious choices that align with your bluprint for your financial goals and values. Over time, consistently adhering to a well-planned budget can lead to improved financial well-being, reduced financial stress, and a greater sense of control over your life.

To recap the steps to building a Budget:


To catch up on the series, visit the Zine archives.


Money Mindset : 2  by Ben Scott 2024