Estimate how much money you will receive in twelve months. Add up how much you would like to allocate to goals, savings, investments and daily living expenses. If the expense side is larger than your income, keep at it until they match. Don't overlook yearly periodic expenses such as insurance payments. Pick an accounting system that will keep you tied to your plan.
Some people use the envelope method and divide up their cash into envelopes each month.
Others hate accounting so they pay themselves first, pay their bills next and spent the rest. A very successful method is the checkbook tracking system where you track your cash, credit and checks all in your checkbook register. If spending exceeds what you planned, you can readjust right away. If you wait too long, it is very difficult to recoup from excessive spending. Keep your plan simple and focused on what is important to you.