#BudgetForSuccess

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Jordon Bevan Explains How to Build a Practical Budget for Any Income

Managing your finances effectively is essential for living a stress-free life, no matter how much or how little you earn. Building a practical budget that works for any income level can help you stay on top of your expenses, save for the future, and achieve your financial goals. Jordon Bevan, a skilled entrepreneur and experienced financial advisor, has helped countless individuals take control of their money. Here, he shares simple and effective strategies on how to create a budget that works for you, regardless of your income.

Start by Understanding Your Income and Expenses

Before you can build a budget, it’s important to have a clear picture of how much money is coming in and where it’s going out. According to Jordon Bevan, the first step is to track your income and expenses. Write down all sources of income, including your salary, freelance work, or any side hustles. Then, list all your monthly expenses, such as rent or mortgage, utilities, groceries, transportation, and entertainment.

Jordon advises using a budgeting app or a simple spreadsheet to make this process easier. “It’s not about complicating things, but about creating awareness of your financial situation,” he says. Once you see how much you’re earning and spending, you’ll be in a better position to make informed decisions.

Categorize Your Expenses: Needs vs. Wants

A practical budget starts by differentiating between needs and wants. Needs are the essential expenses that you must cover to live, like housing, food, and utilities. Wants are things you enjoy but don’t necessarily need, such as dining out, subscriptions, or new clothes.

Jordon Bevan suggests using the 50/30/20 rule to allocate your income effectively:

50% of your income goes toward needs.

30% is for wants.

20% should be set aside for savings or paying off debt.

This rule is a great starting point, but feel free to adjust the percentages to suit your individual needs. The key is to make sure that your needs are covered first before spending money on wants.

Set Clear Financial Goals

“Budgeting isn’t just about paying bills and getting by—it’s about planning for the future,” Jordon explains. Setting clear financial goals is crucial to keeping you motivated and on track. These goals could include building an emergency fund, saving for a vacation, paying off debt, or investing in your retirement.

Once you’ve identified your goals, assign a portion of your budget to help you achieve them. Even if your income is limited, starting small can still make a big difference. For example, saving $50 a month may not seem like much, but it can grow into a significant amount over time.

Cut Back on Unnecessary Spending

As you review your budget, look for areas where you can cut back on non-essential spending. “Small changes can lead to big savings,” says Jordon. Simple actions like making coffee at home instead of buying it every day or canceling unused subscriptions can free up extra money that can be used for your financial goals.

Jordon advises avoiding drastic cuts that make life miserable. “It’s important to strike a balance between saving and enjoying life,” he adds. Instead of cutting out all the things you enjoy, find ways to reduce costs in those areas. For instance, if you love dining out, consider limiting it to once a week or trying cheaper restaurants.

Automate Your Savings

Saving money consistently is often one of the biggest challenges people face, but Jordon Bevan emphasizes the importance of making savings automatic. Set up an automatic transfer from your checking account to your savings account each month, ideally on the day you receive your paycheck. “This way, you’re paying yourself first,” Jordon explains.

Even if it’s a small amount, like $20 or $30 a month, automated savings can add up over time. Plus, by treating savings as a fixed expense, you’re more likely to stick to your budget and build a financial cushion for the future.

Review and Adjust Regularly

A budget isn’t something you set once and forget about—it’s a living plan that should be reviewed and adjusted regularly. Jordon suggests checking in with your budget at least once a month. “Life changes, and your budget should change with it,” he says.

Maybe you got a raise at work, or perhaps an unexpected expense came up. Regularly reviewing your budget will help you stay on top of your finances and make adjustments as needed. If you find that your current budget isn’t working, don’t be afraid to tweak it until it fits your lifestyle and financial situation.

Conclusion

Building a practical budget for any income doesn’t have to be complicated. By tracking your income and expenses, setting financial goals, and making small but effective changes, you can take control of your money and create a more secure financial future. As Jordon Bevan reminds us, budgeting is a tool that gives you the power to manage your finances with confidence and ease.

Remember, it’s not about perfection—it’s about progress. Start today, and you’ll be well on your way to achieving financial peace of mind.