Discover how you can manage your budget effectively.
Put aside money for savings and expenses so that you can achieve your financial goals
Set your money goals
stay on top of bills
save for emergencies
pay for your children's education
save for a down payment on a property
Track your current spending patterns
Having a clear picture of your regular expenses and spending habits will help you set up your budget. Track what you spend money on today and look at your spending habits over a one-two month period.
Record your income
Record all your income sources, including the amount and frequency. This could be from:
Wages
Shari’ah Compliant Investments
Rentals
Alternate income sources – part time activities/jobs
Track your expenses
Fixed expenses
These include rental payments, home finance payments, utility bills, household expenses like groceries and food, takaful contributions, school fees etc.
Variable / unexpected expenses
These include unexpected expenses, like vehicle maintenance, additional fees, medical bills etc... You will not be able to budget for these, but it is important to track them so that you understand how much is being spent on such items.
Expenses
These expenses include finance payments, Islamic credit card payments etc…
Track your savings and start saving more
The money you have left after expenses and savings is your spending money. This money can be put away to achieve some of your goals and 'wants'.
Set up a spending limit so that you can maximise savings and reduce expenses.
You do not need any special app or software. You can simply track these items on an excel sheet and this will help you understand your spending behaviour better.
All expenses have a cost which must be paid. However, not all expenses are bad.
How do you differentiate between a good and bad expense?
Good expense
This expense can be used strategically to help you grow wealth over time
Example: Investing in a property or assets that might yield financial growth over a period of time.
NB: This is not guaranteed or risk free.
Bad expense
This is expense which is incurred without the objective of financial growth and is not favourable.
Example - expense incurred by extravagant lifestyle choices that will incur additional costs if not paid quickly and on time.
Understand your expenses better
Be aware of your expenses
and the cost they incur.
Consider what you earn, pay and spend
Track your expenditure, consider your spending habits, and think about how you can spend more efficiently.
Consolidate your expenses
so that you can track them more efficiently as this will help you pay faster.
Pay your expenses on time
and pay the correct amount to avoid unnecessary charges. Money saved is money earned.
Try to pay the outstanding balance
or more than the minimum amount.
Have a backup plan
It may help to draw from your savings to pay off some expenses. Larger expenses should be paid off earlier as you will be paying more over time.