Budgeting always felt like math class to me. Boring, strict, and full of numbers I didn’t want to deal with. I used to think budgeting meant I’d have to stop eating out, cancel Netflix, and basically live like a monk. But nah—it doesn’t have to be that deep.
If you’re tired of that “mid-month broke” feeling (been there way too many times), here’s the no-fluff way I learned to budget monthly. It’s not rocket science, I promise.
So, Why Even Bother Budgeting?
Look, money stress is real. I used to ignore it—until one day I had 217 Taka in my bkash wallet and two weeks till payday. Not fun.
Budgeting gives you control. Not in a scary, “you can’t spend on anything” way. More like: you get to decide where your money goes, instead of wondering where it went.
I’m not talking about turning into a finance guru overnight. I’m just saying: knowing what’s coming in and what’s going out? Game-changer.
Step 1: Figure Out Your Real Monthly Income
Start with what you actually earn.
For me, that’s my full-time job plus a little from writing gigs. Maybe you’ve got tutoring money, ride-sharing income, or sell stuff online—whatever it is, note it all down.
💡 If your income changes a lot, use the average of the last 3 months. That helped me stay realistic.
Step 2: Look at Where Your Money’s Disappearing
This part hit me hard. I checked my bank statement and saw I’d ordered food 11 times in one month. ELEVEN.
Pull out your last month’s transactions and group them like this:
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Rent
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Groceries
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Mobile/internet
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Transport (CNG, Uber, bus)
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Eating out
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Subscriptions (YouTube Premium, Spotify, etc.)
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Others (that one-time gift you bought, medicine, whatever)
Don’t judge yourself here—just track it.
Step 3: Set a Limit for Each Category
Once you know your usual spending, you can decide how much you should spend.
Here’s what helped me: the 50/30/20 rule.
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50% = essentials (rent, bills, food)
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30% = fun stuff (movies, café hopping, etc.)
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20% = savings or paying off debt
I tweaked it a bit. Some months my rent takes up 60%, so I borrow from the “fun” category.
Point is—make the math match your life.
Step 4: Use Tools or Just a Notebook
I’m not a spreadsheet guy. I tried Excel and gave up in two days.
Now I use a simple app called Money Lover—it’s free and works well. If you prefer writing, even a pocket notebook works. My cousin uses envelopes—literally puts cash into them for each category.
No tool is perfect. Pick what you’ll actually stick to.
Step 5: Review & Adjust (Without Guilt)
Your budget will change every month. Like during Eid, I always overspend on gifts and food. That’s okay.
Check in once a week—did you stay on track, or go overboard on snacks again? (My guilty pleasure = chotpoti from the local street vendor.)
Budgeting isn’t about being perfect. It’s about staying aware.
My Final Take: Make It Yours
There’s no one “right” way to budget. What worked for my best friend didn’t work for me. I kept things super simple—one page, five categories, that’s it.
Just start. Even if it’s messy. Even if it’s only half-right. Because trust me: knowing you’re in charge of your own money? That hits different.
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| How I Finally Created a Monthly Budget |
Written by:
Tamim Reza
Budgeting enthusiast by force, not by choice. I’m a Dhaka-based writer helping folks understand money without all the jargon. When I’m not writing, I’m probably debating whether to eat out or stick to my budget.
Last updated: June 8, 2025
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Please consult a licensed financial advisor for personal advice.
