Identify Your Monthly Expenses

In the world of personal finance, simplicity can be your best friend. Amidst the sea of financial jargon and complex terms, let’s start by simplifying the fundamentals. Regardless of who you are or where you live, you have expenses, and at the core of your financial stability are your monthly expenditures. 

Monthly expenses encompass the essential costs that keep your life running smoothly. These typically include rent or mortgage payments, food expenses, utility bills (such as electricity, heating or cooling, and water), internet, and phone plans. For many, there are additional obligations like credit card payments, car loans, or mortgages to consider. 

Crucially, this topic emphasizes the importance of maintaining awareness regarding your total monthly expenses. To achieve this, we’ll begin by compiling a list of your mandatory monthly expenses. This list should strictly consist of necessities – those expenses that are indispensable to sustain your basic lifestyle. We won’t be including discretionary spending like gifts or personal indulgences. By the end of this exercise, you’ll have a clear understanding of what it takes to cover your essential needs each month, forming the foundation of your financial awareness and management journey.