Running a home is no different from running a business, both require careful planning to save and spend just the right amount of money. Each house must have a personal budget that lists down all the personal expenses, monthly expenses, and savings. Often people neglect the importance of having a planned personal budget and regret at later stages. Successful budget planning can be accomplished by following a few simple steps.

First of all, calculate your total income. Consider all sources including interest from all investments as well. The next obvious step will be to determine your expenses. List down all essential expenditures, like grocery, electricity and telephone bill, your child’s tuition fee, clothing, rent, gas and so on. Eliminate your total debt as well, including the monthly interest on each. Now, calculate the expenses on non-essential items, which may include a vacation, hobby classes, and gifts. The savings will be the difference of the total income and expenditure. By planning a budget, one can put a check on overspending as well as keep aside a reserve for unexpected needs. It maintains an adequate standard of living in your earning as well as post-retirement days.