Tuesday, 29 July 2025

Budgeting Guide #21: 7-Step Formula to Master Monthly Budgeting

 


Master Your Monthly Budget with This Proven 7-Step Formula (Perfect for Indian Households)

Budgeting isn’t just writing numbers on paper — it’s a financial system that ensures your money goes where it should. Here's a powerful 7-step plan to help you budget better.


πŸ”· Step 1: Know Your Net Income

Don’t calculate based on your gross income. Remove:

  • Taxes
  • Loan EMIs
  • Provident fund (if not liquid)

Track your exact cash in hand. That’s your starting point.


πŸ”· Step 2: Categorize Your Expenses

Split spending into:

  • Fixed: Rent, EMIs, school fees
  • Variable: Food, shopping, petrol
  • Occasional: Annual insurance, birthdays

Use digital apps or handwritten charts — whichever suits you.


πŸ”· Step 3: Use the 60-20-20 Rule (Indianized)

  • 60% needs (rent, food, transport)
  • 20% savings/investments
  • 20% lifestyle (Netflix, dining out, gadgets)

This model offers more flexibility for middle-class households than the Western 50-30-20 split.


πŸ”· Step 4: Set Monthly Financial Goals

Examples:

  • Save ₹10,000 this month
  • Cut food delivery by 50%
  • Start an emergency fund with ₹5,000

Goals give your budget direction.


πŸ”· Step 5: Automate Where Possible

Set automatic transfers:

  • SIPs on 5th of every month
  • RD transfers
  • Bill auto-payments

Automation eliminates “decision fatigue” and late fees.


πŸ”· Step 6: Track & Adjust Weekly

Use apps like:

  • Monefy
  • Wallet
  • Goodbudget

Or keep a simple Google Sheet. Spend 10 minutes every Sunday reviewing expenses.


πŸ”· Step 7: Review at Month-End

Ask:

  • Did I stick to the plan?
  • Where did I overspend?
  • What can I improve?

This reflection turns your budget into a growth tool.


Conclusion

Budgeting is not punishment — it’s permission to spend with awareness. When you follow this 7-step formula, you don’t just save money — you gain control over your financial life.


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