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Here are some tips to accurately gather your existing expenses to document in your budget: Instead of trying to track these mini variable expenses, you might be better off stating ‘I have $50 per week for variable expenses’ and work towards sticking to this number. For instance, some days you may buy a coffee – other days you may not.
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You estimate you spend $1,500 per month.
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When calculating your expenses, also factor in unexpected bills, such as unplanned car repairs.Ī good rule of thumb is to add an extra 10 per cent to 15 per cent. A forgotten bill really throws a wrench into your savings plan. Remember that being thorough when you add up expenses is important in creating a realistic budget. Some expenses are intermittent, such as insurance payments, so to get the most accurate financial picture you can calculate an average for six months to a year. Assess your expenses by consulting your bank statements, receipts, and financial files.
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