I couldn’t wrap my head around how to make the math work and figure out the timing of paying what when and where my budget would begin each month. #You need a budget vs every dollar how to Then I quit that job and started freelancing, waitressing, and working retail. A consistent and predictable income did not exist for me. It was nearly impossible to budget! I didn’t know how much freelance work I would get, how many waitressing shifts I would be scheduled. And who knew if I would leave a shift with $13 or $113. The perfect formula for this financial novice to start budgeting! So I put my budgeting training wheels on and was going to figure this out once and for all! Failed attempt #2.īut finally, I got a job in which I would be paid twice a month and it would be the same amount every time. Estimating is not my forte and the same with math. So “ball parking” numbers makes me uncomfortable. But I gotta make it work if I want things to happen.Īlright.
So I knew I was going to be paid on the 5th and 20th of each month. How was I going to line up my bills? I have rent, auto insurance, and student loans all due in the first two days of the month. I couldn’t start with my paycheck from the 5th, so I would have to use the money from the paycheck I would receive on the 20th from the month before! A-ha! Groceries (half of my allotted budget so I can have the other half from the next paycheck)Īnd then on the 20th of the month I would use money for….On the 5th of the month paycheck I would need money for… This is when I sat down with a piece of paper and listed out each item I would need money for from each paycheck. I wrote all this out so I could refer back to it on my “Money Mornings” because I knew I would probably forget what things to pay for when with each paycheck. I also listed the general minimums and estimated dollar amount for each item for quick reference. The Every Dollar budgeting tool! In a past money post, I had mentioned the Mint app to possibly help you with your finances. I just didn’t get into it, but I know others that regularly use it and find it helpful. The Every Dollar app, however, is for me. I started using it as soon as I started my job in January and have used it every single month. #You need a budget vs every dollar free.#You need a budget vs every dollar how to.