Monthly Budget Calculator: How to Use One Without Lying to Yourself
The easiest way to lie to yourself is to start with guesses.
“I probably spend around $300 on groceries.”
“I think dining out is about $150.”
Instead, open your bank and credit card statements and look at the last three months.
Not the month you behaved perfectly.
Not the month you were traveling.
Three normal months.
Write down what actually happened.
The goal here isn’t judgment. It’s accuracy.