Content Overview 
- Summary
- Step 1. Find Out What Your Spending Patterns Are
- Step 2. Break Your Expenses Down By Core Expenses (Expenses You Can't Do Without), Discretionary Expenses And Unnecessary Expenses:
- Step 3. Consider Whether There Are Ways To Spend Less For The Things You Need
- Step 4. Think About Your Goals For Your Money
- Step 5. Set Flexible Rules For A Budget That Fits Your Circumstances
- Step 6. Create The Budget
- Step 7. Give The Budget A Trial Period By Using Apps Or An Envelope To Help Keep Track
- Step 8. Tweak The Budget As Time Goes Along
Budget: Creating/Living With
Step 8. Tweak The Budget As Time Goes Along
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At least once a month, compare your actual spending to your budget. If you use the "pocket-money" technique described above, you'll only need to keep track of your receipts for items not purchased with cash. Otherwise, keep a small notebook to detail your spending on a daily basis or keep track on your smart phone.
Keep in mind that your budget is only a road map. Keep it flexible. Read Setting Personal Goals for motivation. Keep your eyes on the goal, whether it is to have an emergency fund, to go on a dream vacation, to work less, or have money put aside for your children.
Change your budget any time you need to.
If, after six months or more, you can't meet your budget despite your best efforts, consider whether it may be the budget, and not your spending habits, which are flawed.
If your income increases, try to save the entire increase.
Similarly, if someone in your household returns to work after a period of being unemployed or disabled, try -- if possible -- to save all of their extra income..