If you’re like most people, you probably have a love-hate relationship with budgeting. You know it’s important to manage your money wisely, but you also don’t want to feel restricted or bored by your spending plan. 

A budget is a plan for how you spend and save your money each month. It can help you achieve your financial goals, such as saving for a vacation, paying off debt, or buying a new outfit. 

You want to enjoy your life and express your personality, not just follow a bunch of rules and numbers. But what if I told you that budgeting can be fun, creative, and even fashionable? Yes, you heard me right. Budgeting is not just a math problem, it’s also an art form. And just like fashion, it can reflect your unique taste, preferences, and goals. 

In this blog post, I’ll show you how to create a budget that fits your style. By the end of this post, you’ll have a better understanding of how to create a budget that works for you and your lifestyle. 

# Step 1: Find Your Inspiration

The first step to creating a budget that fits your style is to find your inspiration.

Ask yourself the following questions: 

1. What are my financial goals and dreams? 
2. What do I want to achieve with my money? 
3. How do I want to feel about your finances? Do I want to feel continuously worried about the month end bills, or do I want to feel empowered and comfortable, knowing that I have everything under control?

Think of this as finding your personal style.  

When you go shopping you find answers to questions such as: 

1. What kind of clothes do I like to wear? 
2. What colors, patterns, and textures seem to grab my attention? 
3. What mood do I want to convey with your outfits? 
4. How do I want others to perceive me?

Your inspiration can come from anywhere: magazines, celebrities, social media, movies, books, art, nature, etc. The key is to find something that resonates with you and motivates you to take action. 

For example, maybe you’re inspired by the minimalist style of Marie Kondo, and you want to declutter your life and save more money. Or maybe you’re inspired by the glamorous style of Beyoncé, and you want to splurge on some luxury items and experiences. Or maybe you’re inspired by the adventurous style of Indiana Jones, and you want to travel the world and explore new cultures. 

Whatever your inspiration is, write it down and keep it in mind as you create your budget. This will help you stay focused and excited about your financial journey. 

# Step 2: Choose Your Basics

The next step to creating a budget that fits your style is to choose your basics. These are the essential expenses that you need to cover every month, such as rent or bond payments, utilities such as electricity and water, food, transportation, insurance, credit card repayments, etc.

 Think of these as the basic pieces in your wardrobe. These are the items that you wear often and go with everything else. They are usually neutral in color and simple in design. They are the foundation of your outfits. 

To choose your basics for your budget, list all the expenses that are necessary for your survival and well-being. 

Then, next to it, assign an amount for each expense based on your income and past spending habits. 

Here are the steps to create a budget that works for you: 

1. List your income. 

 This is the amount of money you earn or receive every month, after taxes and deductions. 

Include your salary, tips, bonuses, interest income, dividends, child support, or any other sources of income. 

For example, if you are paid R5000.00 and you earn another R500.00 from your side hustle, you will add the amounts. 

Therefore, your total income is R5500.00 

 This is merely an example. You will know how much you earn and use that to create your budget.

2. List your expenses. 

These are the things you spend money on every month, such as rent, utilities, food, transportation, clothing, entertainment, etc. 

Some expenses are fixed, meaning they stay the same every month, while others are flexible depending on your choices and needs. 

For example, your rent is a fixed expense, but grocery bills or entertainment can be a flexible expense. 

3. Subtract your expenses from income. 

This will show you how much money is left over at the end of the month. If your income is more than your expenses, you have a surplus. 

If your expenses are more than your income, you have a deficit. 

For example, if your income is R5000.00 and your expenses are R3,500, you have a surplus of R500. 

Well done, you! 

4. Track your transactions. 

This will help you monitor how well you are sticking to your budget and identify areas where you can save or spend more wisely. 

You can use a spreadsheet, an app, or a notebook to record every purchase you make and compare it to your budget plan. 

For example, if you budgeted R500.00 for eating out but spent R1000.00, you can easily see where you overspent and adjust accordingly. 

This is an activity I have done personally, for the past three months. I have noticed where I spend unnecessarily and have managed to cut down on some accounts. This technique also makes you more accountable for your purchases as every purchase has to be noted down. It leaves you contemplating before every purchase “Do I really need this?” 

Leave me a comment below if you would like me to create a template for you!

1. 1. 1. 1. 5. Make a new budget before the next month begins. 

This allows you to plan ahead for any changes in your income or expenses. 

You can also review your previous budget and see what worked and what didn’t, and make improvements as needed. 

For example, if you saved more than you expected in one category, you can allocate some of that money to another category that needs more attention. I usually make use of the money that I didn’t spend in one category, by moving it to another category.

 Creating a budget can be like putting together an outfit: you need to find the right balance of proportions, colors, patterns, and textures that suit your style and personality. 

Here are some additional tips: 

Work with what you have. You don’t need to buy new clothes every season to look stylish; you can mix and match pieces you already own and create new combinations. 

Similarly, you don’t need to earn more money to have a good budget; you can work with the income you already have and make smart choices about how to spend and save it. 

Accessorize with brights. If you have a closet full of neutrals, adding a pop of color with a bag or a pair of shoes can make your outfit more lively and fun. Likewise, if you have a budget full of essentials, adding some money for entertainment or hobbies can make your life more enjoyable and fulfilling. Not too much though!

Add a belt. A belt can cinch your waist and give your outfit more shape and definition. In the same way, a budget can help you control your spending and give your money more direction and purpose. 

Play with color. Experimenting with different colors can help you find what looks best on you and express your mood and personality. Try experimenting with different budget categories to find what works best for you and reflects your values and goals. 

Mix patterns and textures. Combining different patterns and textures adds some interest and contrast to your outfit and shows off your creativity and flair. Likewise, combining different sources of income and types of expenses can diversify your budget and show off your skills and talents. 

Remember, a budget does not have to be a fixed “all or nothing” plan for your finances. It can be adjusted according to your needs each month. 

Pro tip: If you have taken money from your savings this month, then adjust your budget for the next month so that you can reimburse your savings account. 

You should review your budget regularly and make adjustments as needed to stay on track with your goals. 

I hope these steps and tips have helped you create a budget that suits your needs and style. 

If you have any questions or feedback, please let me know in the comments below.