The month begins.
With a workable plan.

1. Use net income.

Start with what you actually receive after tax and deductions. If income varies, use a cautious figure and leave room for weaker months. Do not add uncertain income to the basic budget.

2. List your commitments.

Write down rent or mortgage, energy, water, transport, essential food and debt instalments. For annual expenses such as insurance, divide the amount across the months in which you can prepare for that bill.

Example: annual insurance of €240 corresponds to setting aside €20 per month over 12 months. That does not turn insurance into a monthly payment; it helps prepare for the payment date.

3. Give choices and goals a limit.

After commitments, set an amount for flexible spending and the savings you want to set aside. The budget must fit your income. If it does not, first identify the gap and choose what to adjust.

In an example with €1,800 income, €700 fixed expenses, €400 variable expenses and €200 planned savings, €500 remains to allocate or keep as a buffer.

4. Review records, not just limits.

Set aside a few minutes each week to check transactions, categories and missing expenses. At month end, compare the plan with what happened. Adjust the next budget to your real life.

Explore your month.

Use the monthly budget calculator and discover category budgets in Ravnu.

A complete budget, with room to spare.

Planned outgoings total €1,320. The buffer is €480, not a savings promise. You may need it for expenses not yet included. To reproduce the example in the calculator, use €720 fixed expenses, €400 variable expenses and €200 savings.

When income varies

Compare several months and separate mandatory commitments from spending you can postpone. Use a cautious baseline you can explain; an average may hide weaker months. An exceptional payment does not have to increase fixed expenses in later months.

Mistakes to avoid.

Do not confuse an annual expense spread out for planning with an actual monthly debit. Do not count a transfer between your own accounts as new income. Update the plan when a bill or commitment changes.

A common question.

Take the method with you.

Try the related calculator to check the example. For a paper review, use Print this guide.

Sources and method.

Editorial content: Ravnu team. Our own examples and templates, with calculations you can reproduce using the website's tools. We do not claim review by professionals or qualifications that have not been confirmed.

• Todos Contam — building a budget: income, expenses and planning

The sources support budgeting and reserve concepts. Examples are not personalised recommendations. Referencing an organisation does not imply a partnership with or endorsement of Ravnu. For tax retention of receipts, check the rules for your circumstances with the relevant authority.

About this guide.

Examples are illustrative. Adapt the figures to your situation and verify information before deciding. This content does not replace financial, tax or investment advice.