Hey LifeStyler, 

With The end of January and payday just around the corner it's a good time to start looking at finances and budgeting. This doesn’t have to mean spreadsheets, sacrifice, or saying no to everything you enjoy. At its core, a good monthly budget is about clarity, balance, and making your money work for your life not the other way around. Whether you’re trying to avoid slipping into debt or simply want to feel more in control, these simple steps can help you budget your monthly outgoings realistically and sustainably.

Start With What You Actually Earn

Before you plan a single expense, get clear on your real monthly income. That’s your take-home pay after tax, not your salary on paper. If your income varies, work with your lowest average month so you’re never budgeting money that might not arrive.

Once you know your number, everything else becomes easier and far more honest.

List Your Fixed Essentials First

Your fixed outgoings are the non-negotiables. These usually stay roughly the same each month and should always be prioritised:

Rent or mortgage

Council tax

Utilities

Phone and internet 

Insurance 

Travel costs 

Groceries

These are your financial foundations. Paying them first helps ensure you’re never scrambling at the end of the month.

Break Down Your Flexible Spending

This is where many budgets fall apart not because people overspend wildly, but because they underestimate how much small, everyday spending adds up.

Think corner shop splurges, coffees, lunches out, takeaways, subscriptions, birthdays, and social plans. Go through a recent bank statement to see what you really spend, not what you think you spend.

Once you have a clear picture, give each category a realistic monthly limit not an aspirational one and stick to it (No Excuses) 

Build in Savings (Even Small Ones)

Saving doesn’t have to be a huge amount to make a difference. Even £20–£50 a month builds a buffer that can stop unexpected costs turning into debt.

Treat savings like a bill you pay to yourself. Whether it’s an emergency fund, saving funds for Christmas or holidays, or just a life happens pot, having something set aside gives you breathing space.

Leave Room for Living

A budget that doesn’t include joy won’t last. Allocate money for the things that make life feel good meals out, hobbies, or a little treat at the end of a long week.

Budgeting isn’t about punishment; it’s about permission. When you plan for enjoyment, you’re far less likely to overspend impulsively.

Use Simple Tools That Work for You

You don’t need complicated systems. A notes app, a basic spreadsheet, a budgeting app or a template download can be enough. Some people prefer dividing money into separate accounts for bills, spending, and savings so they always know what’s safe to use.

The best tool is the one you’ll actually check.

Review and Reset Each Month

Life changes and so should your budget. At the end of each month, take twenty minutes to review what worked and what didn’t. If something felt too tight, adjust it if you can. If you had money left over, decide where it should go next time.

Budgeting is a living plan, not a set of rules carved in stone.

Staying Out of Debt Is About Awareness, Not Perfection

Most people don’t fall into debt because they’re careless it’s usually because they don’t see the full picture until it’s too late. A clear, realistic budget helps you spot problems early and make small changes before they turn into big ones.

Progress matters more than perfection. Even choosing to track your money is a powerful first step.

Overall a good budget doesn’t restrict your life it supports it. When you know where your money is going, you can spend with confidence, avoid unnecessary debt, and build a sense of calm around your finances that lasts far beyond payday.

With Love,