Varying date, varying amount payments like groceries and gasoline.Same date, varying amount payments like utilities and credit cards.Same date, same amount payments like your housing, health insurance, phone bill.Read: A Meal Plan Solution for My Food Budget Problemsįirst, you're going to – you guessed it – make a list! Write down all your monthly expenses and organize them by their due date (or payday):.When the bills are getting paid on time, there's money going into savings, and your debt is decreasing, it's encouraging! Like eating healthy, when you start to see the results, it motivates you to make adjustments and keep going.
Too many bills of the same kind? Consider consolidating your credit card debt to a single card with a lower interest rate.Ī budget calendar can help you see small debts that can be paid off and eliminated, and others that can be set up on an automatic draft from your bank, so you never have to worry about them being overlooked.įinally, a budget calendar helps you make a habit of saving. (Yes! You can do that!) Utility companies and credit card lenders are usually very accommodating when it comes to adjusting payment dates. Too many bills coming out at the first of the month? Ask for some of your due dates to change.
The calendar can also help you SEE ways to streamline the process. Not only are they visually satisfying, but they help you manage your money, eliminate ugly surprises, and get all your finances organized in one place! They keep you focused on what's coming up, remind you when each bill needs to be paid, and save you from late fees. If you don't know what you have in the freezer and what to thaw out next, you're more likely to grab junk food and throw off your whole diet.īudget calendars keep you organized in the same way.
Every bill due date, mortgage or rent payment, income check, and savings amount is logged into your calendar to help you see what's coming in and going out and exactly when. Read: How to Stay Motivated on Your Financial Journey With a Visual BoardĪ budget calendar is just like your regular calendar, but with the single purpose of keeping track of your finances.Whether you use a hang-on-the-wall calendar, a hard-copy desk style, or (most likely) your phone, financial and life organization is a must. When you think about your budget, it's easy to remember your bills, but what about all of the other life events that cost money? Your budget calendar will be your guiding light when planning out your paychecks. I can't create a realistic budget without it! Appointments, school functions, special occasions, travel dates, family events, sporting events, bill due dates, and birthdays are all things that I like to have included in my budget. Creating and using a budget calendar is an important step in my budgeting process.