Ithaca College

A budget helps you determine whether you can grab that bite to eat or should head home for a bowl of soup.  

It is typically created using a spreadsheet, and it provides a concrete, organized, and easily understood breakdown of how much money you have coming in and how much is going out (and where is it going).

Planning and monitoring your budget will help you identify wasteful expenditures, adapt quickly as your financial situation changes, and achieve your financial goals. Try following these steps to help you build your personal budget spreadsheet:

1. Record your daily spending
2. Plan for next month's expenses and income
3. Look for ways to spend less
4. Find ways to boost your income

If you need or want help with budgeting, check out Clearpoint. Clearpoint offers a variety of financial services including Budgeting and Credit Counseling.