When you set up your budget , be sure to include income from all sources, not just what you receive on a regular basis. Do the same with expenses. Some expenses are fixed, or the same amount each month, such as a mortgage or rent. Some are regular but vary, such as the amount you spend in the supermarket. To get a good estimate of your monthly costs, you will first want to track these expenses.
Some expenses occur periodically.
For example, you may pay your car insurance four times a year. Other expenses are discretionary, such as eating out. This is the area where you can choose how much to spend. Finally, be sure to set aside money in your budget for an emergency fund in addition to savings for future goals. Remember that the purpose of a budget is to show how you spend your money, so you can decide if that is how you want to spend it in the future.