Budgeting: Everything you need to know about budgeting and building your wealth

To budget or not to budget? That shouldn’t be the question. The rich don’t budget (they just spend, spend, spend). The wealthy always do. The wealthy budget because they understand creating sustainable wealth takes discipline, and that’s at the heart of the budgeting process.  

Practical steps to achieve budgeting discipline

Know your Income

It's obvious; know what’s coming in each month. This could mean your salary, expected bonus, commissions, side hustle income, etc. Make a complete list. Everything. Add it up for the year, and segment by the month. If multiple earners in a household, each should budget accordingly and aggregate collectively.

Know your expenses

Equally obvious, know what’s going out, i.e., your expenses. Break this down into two pots, necessities v. variable.

+ Necessities are essentials like mortgage/rent, real estate taxes, income taxes, insurance payments, utilities, gas for your car, groceries, phone bills, and so on. Most people have an intuitive idea of these numbers, but YOU be disciplined and write them down in a budget format. Of course, some are fixed such as rent, others vary based on circumstance or usage such as gas, utilities, income taxes, etc. so estimate the best you can.

+ Variable expenses are where most people lose track of their money. Variable expenses carry “expenditure choice.” You don’t have to go out to dinner once a week, you don’t have to buy that new set of weights, you don’t have to go to Europe, on and on. Variable expenses are “lifestyle” expenses, and by definition, these expenses are controllable by choice. Write it all down. Yes, it’s work. Yes, it’s detailed. Trust me, the value of this discipline will be seen in the end.

Know your Cash Flow

On a cash-in vs. cash-out basis, we all know the net/net is either a positive or negative cash flow. Your goal of course is to have a positive cash flow annually and monthly. From a positive cash flow, you can put money aside in savings and start building wealth. If there is a negative cash flow, you need to moderate/cut back your variable expenses until the cash flow turns positive. It’s often difficult to cut back your fixed expenses as these tend to be necessities, like your home.  While owning too much home is also a big mistake people who fail to build sustainable wealth often make. 

You get the point. You see why it takes discipline. To build wealth you MUST start with a positive cash flow (refer to my blog “Retiring in Style”).

Get an Accountability Coach

Once you achieve positive cash flow status, the journey is not over. The core issue, and a serious matter many overlook, is how to leverage your positive cash flow to build long-term wealth the right way. If your car needs repair, you call a mechanic. When it’s tax time, you call your accountant. Unless managing money is your business, reviewing your situation with a fiduciary wealth advisor to hear what they have to say is a no-cost phone call away. Remember building wealth is by choice, not chance. YOU need to take the first step.

When you think you’re ready to break out and take the all-important step toward building long-term, sustainable wealth for you and your family, let’s chat juliuswealthadvisors.com, via email or calendar a call.

Disclosures

This piece contains general information that is not suitable for everyone and was prepared for informational purposes only.  Nothing contained herein should be construed as a solicitation to buy or sell any security or as an offer to provide investment advice. The information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but the accuracy of the information cannot be guaranteed. Past performance does not guarantee any future results. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. For additional information about Julius Wealth Advisors, including its services and fees, contact us or visit adviserinfo.sec.gov.