Budget Planner

Enjoy the rewards of budgeting and better money management

It is important to plan for your future. A disciplined approach to saving and budgeting gives you control of your finances and helps you on the road to a comfortable and “debt free” retirement.

How to begin effective budgeting and better money management

It is always advisable to start with a tried and tested budget plan and the first question to ask yourself is “What are my short and long term savings goals?”
Answering this question will give you a number of savings targets, so you can commence your budget planning. Above all, be realistic with both your goals and the amount of money allocated to the essential cost of living.

Generally speaking, the money you receive falls into three basic categories

 Category 1: Disposable ‘at call’ cash for food, petrol, entertainment – money you need to live on for that fortnight/month.

 Category 2: Money already committed to things like gas, electricity, rate, loans, rent, phone, insurances, etc.

 Category 3: Money set aside to achieve personal goals (car, house, holiday)

You’ll find your ability to budget will work a great deal more efficiently if you allocate all your money within these three categories.
You will find it is convenient to have your living funds (Category 1) available by way of an access card. Avoid the temptation to have your whole pay credited to the one access card account; otherwise the may be an inclination to live from pay to pay.

The rewards of better money management

 You will have more control and direction over your personal affairs

 You will be able to trim those trivial purchase and concentrate on your most important goals

 You will achieve savings to carry you through any emergencies 

 You will have peace of mind as a result of a more secure financial future

 You will be able to build a strong financial record which may assist you when applying for a loan