A budget is an essential part of every financial journey. Ito ang guide mo para makapag-ipon for your future goals at maiwasan ang overspending at financial stress.
But following a budget doesn’t have to feel like you’re missing out on life or depriving yourself. You can turn FOMO into SWOMO, or “save without missing out” with a budget na pinaka-swak sa financial situation mo.
Let’s break down the different budgeting methods below, but remember that they’re not a one-size-fits-all approach. Mabuting i-customize rin ito sa ‘yong income, lifestyle, at priorities. But first, find out which one is for you.
50-30-20 Budget
Try this if: You want to start a healthy savings or investment fund
How it works: Create three main categories for your budget, at mag-assign ng percentage ng income para sa bawat isa. 50% will go to living essentials like rent o mortgage, food, transportation, at bills. 30% ay mapupunta sa wants like entertainment, clothes, etc. 20% ay para sa savings at investments.
Pro tip: Pwede mong i-adjust ang percentages ng budget na ito para maging 60-20-20, 70-20-10, etc. hanggang maging pasok ito sa income level at goals mo.
Cash Envelope Budget
Try this if: Nagsisimula ka pa lang mag-budget
How it works: You withdraw your income every cutoff at ilagay ito sa mga envelope kung saan naka-label ang purpose nito.
Effective ito para sa mga beginners because you’re forced to stop spending on a category once the envelope runs out of money. May konting risk lang sa method na ‘to dahil possibleng ma-misplace ang envelope, o maging inconvenient for expenses that are better handled online.
Pro tip: Want to go digital? Open multiple accounts or e-wallets, at mag-assign ng purpose para sa bawat isa gaya ng household expenses, transportation, fun funds, at iba pang spending categories, at i-transfer ang budget mo sa bawat isa.
Reverse Budgeting
Try this if: Nahihirapan ka mag-ipon even with disposable income
How it works: Mag-set ng fixed savings amount at unahin mong itabi ito after ng iyong fixed expenses. What remains is what you spend on wants and variable expenses. Kailangan ng extra discipline ng method na ‘to, but it’s a good way to build good financial health especially if you have disposable income.
Pro tip: Gawin mong automatic ang pag-iipon by setting up a scheduled monthly fund transfer from your payroll to a high-yield savings account.
Values-Based Budget
Try this if: Meron kang clear financial goals
How it works: Ibe-base mo ang budget na ‘to on what you value the most: children’s education, downpayment for a car, family vacation, etc. Fixed na ang amount at timeline kung kailan mo dapat mabuo ang goal amount mo, then you cut down on things you value less like coffee runs, shopping, streaming subscriptions, etc.
Pro tip: Mag-dedicate ka ng savings account para sa bawat isang life milestone o goal mo at dito mo i-transfer ang iyong budget.
“No Spending” Budget"
Try this if: Nag-iipon ka para sa isang big purchase o nagbabayad ng utang.
How it works: Ang majority ng budget mo ay ilalagay muna sa outstanding debt at bills, then save whatever remains. No peso is unaccounted for. This budget is good for the short term to help you speed up repayments or saving up for your goal.
Pro tip: Pag na-achieve mo na ang repayment o goal purchase mo, reassess your income, expenses, and what your updated goals are, at sumubok ng ibang budgeting method na swak sa mga considerations na ‘to.
The Survival Budget
Try this if: You are barely making ends meet
How it works: No fun spending. No excess. Just basic living expenses. Sa budgeting method na ‘to, you might have to look at buying cheaper options at mag-cut back sa ilang gastusin para maiwasan ang debt. Kung may excess, pwede mo itong idagdag sa next month.
Pro tip: Kung may unexpected expense na wala sa iyong budget, don’t worry. Focus on progress, not perfection. You got this!
Brain Teaser
Nahanap mo na ba ang ideal budgeting method mo sa list? If not, don’t worry. Mga example lang ito na pwede mong i-try. In reality, there is no one-size-fits-all budget kasi magkakaiba rin ang income, expenses, at priorities ng bawat tao. Whether you try these or make your own, remember that the right budget is one that fits your needs and doesn’t make you feel deprived.
Brain Teaser Answer
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Disclaimer: This article is for general information purposes and does not constitute formal financial advice. Always do further research before making financial decisions and seek professional advice from a certified personal finance counselor. For more information, read the Earnest disclaimer here.
