This includes anything we pay on a yearly, quarterly, or monthly basis. The next thing I wanted to have in our Budget Binder was a list of recurring expenses. Related: What are sinking funds? (And why do I need them?) Tracking Recurring Expenses with the Budget Planner Paying off those student loans will feel better than an extra meal out ever could! Then, for example, if we’re really tempted to go out to eat instead of just grabbing something from home, we think of our goal. If we’re looking at them each day or week when we’re tracking expenses in the binder, we renew our commitment and drive to reach them. These goals and action steps are in the front of the binder for a reason– they’re there as a constant reminder of what we’re working toward. However we decide to do it, it’s not enough to just set the goal. Or maybe we can cut down on our budget in other areas like clothing or eating out to come up with the extra cash. Maybe we can get an extra little side job to make some additional money to put toward the debt. Maybe we’ll plan to make a double payment each month.
We’ll write it down on this page, give ourselves a timeframe in which to complete it (by the end of December 2024), and then we’ll list the action steps that we are going to take in order to reach that goal. Let’s say we’ve set a goal to pay off our student loans in the next year. When Donnie and I take the time to sit down together and write out our financial goals, it puts us on the same page, and we are much more likely to achieve what we set out to do! Goal setting is oh-so-important to me, especially when it comes to finances.
Pages to Track Recurring Expenses– These sheets track bills that stay pretty much the same each month like mortgage/rent, car payments, student loan payments, utility bills, etc.Goal Setting Sheet– Set financial goals for the year so you know exactly what you’re working toward.Cover Page– Keep track of your binder (and make it pretty so you want to use it often)!.(If you click on each of the links below, you can jump right to the explanation for that particular page.) Here’s what to include in a budget binder: There are several key pages that I include in my budget binder each year. These planners also tend to start mid-year, which is great if, for example, you're a student and teacher whose schedule begins with the school year.What should be included in a budget binder? They can allow you to plan ahead and adjust your schedule if you find yourself ahead of your goals or need to readjust them as the months pass by. However, 18-month planners offer a little more leeway. 12-month planners are nice because they tend to start in January, and it's a great way to jot down those New Year's resolutions and stick to them through December. Generally, planners come in 12-month to 18-month durations. Customizable options can combine both weekly and monthly structures, but they have the added benefit of having blank pages for you to be creative in designing your own structure. Meanwhile, monthly planners are great for organizing the larger picture since they can record large projects and your expected progress. Weekly planners are great for setting day-to-day goals to reach a larger goal you may have in mind. Planners come with a variety of structures from weekly, monthly, or even customizable options.
If you're looking for a planner that can track both your personal and professional goals, look for a planner with a combination of these characteristics. For a professional planner, look for one that has sections to write down appointments, notes, to-do lists, and more. If you wish to use it for your personal goals, try finding a planner that has sections for you to track daily habits, exercise, wins, and more. What to Look for in a Day Planner Purposeįirst, consider whether you want to use your planner for personal or professional use (or both). With helpful sections like "Morning Review," "End of Day Review," and a schedule section to help you track your affirmations, daily habits, wins, appointments, and more, it can help you organize your goals and accomplish them. Our top pick is the Panda Planner Pro (view at Amazon) for its organized system that's based on positive psychology and neuroscience.