Your Financial Guide to Buying a Car

Budgeting, saving, building credit – it's all part of buying a car. Learn how to navigate the auto financing process so you can drive off in your dream car.

Budget

A budget is a financial plan that outlines expected income and expenses over a specific period, typically monthly or annually. It serves as a tool for individuals and businesses to allocate resources efficiently, control spending, and achieve financial goals. 

Key Terms
Budget Zero-based budget Emergency fund Fixed expenses Variable expenses Net income 50/30/20 budget Cash stuffing Pay-yourself-first budget

Grab Your Free Budgeting Worksheet

Create a budget and hit your financial goals with our free printable budgeting template.

Budgeting Worksheet

Budgeting for Business 

Learning to create and maintain a budget can help your business finances thrive. Business owners, check out our business budgeting resources to master your finances. 

Budgeting V1 600X600

Frequently Asked Questions 

The 50/30/20 budget rule is a popular personal finance guideline that suggests dividing after-tax income into three categories: 50% for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings and debt repayment. This rule provides a simple framework for budgeting, ensuring that essential expenses are prioritized while leaving room for discretionary spending and saving for the future.  

Zero-based budget, 50/30/20 budget, and the cash stuffing or envelope-based budget methods are three popular ways to budget your money.  

  1. Analyze your past 90 days of spending. 
  2. Create spending and saving categories. 
  3. Transfer your spending into a budget template. 
  4. Choose a budgeting method. 
  5. Stick to your plan for 90 days. 
  6. Review and adjust as needed. 
  7. Make budgeting a lifestyle. 

Budgeting is the process of creating a plan to manage and allocate financial resources effectively, with the aim of achieving specific financial goals. It involves estimating income, identifying expenses, and prioritizing spending to ensure that resources are used efficiently and in alignment with personal or organizational objectives. 

  1. Track your spending in a budget template. 
  2. Set realistic goals. 
  3. Stick to your budget by regularly reviewing and adjusting it as needed. 
  4. Automate savings and payments. 
  5. Prioritize an emergency fund. 

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Learn How to Create a Budget with Chris Peach

Explore Budgeting Resources 

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