Free Resources:

Budget Guide: https://heatherpod.kit.com/c9f316e834

Expense Tracker: https://heatherpod.kit.com/705f2f912f

Episode 15 Podcast Outline: My Monthly Budget Routine

Introduction

• Brief recap of the January budgeting series so far and a reminder about the free resources available (budgeting checklist and expense tracker).
• Teaser: Today, I’m walking you through my exact monthly budget routine. This is the system I use to stay on track, reduce stress, and make progress toward my financial goals. Ready to take control of your month? Let’s dive in!

Segment 1: Setting the Stage

• Importance of having a consistent monthly budgeting routine:
• Keeps you proactive instead of reactive.
• Builds financial confidence.
• Helps you stay aligned with your goals.
• Ideal timing: I do my budget routine on the first of the month or the last day of the previous month and do tracking 1x per week.  Personal is 1-2x per week. Find a time that works best for you.
• Tools needed: digital tracker (e.g., Google Sheets), a notebook, or an app.

Segment 2: Step 1 - Review the Previous Month(s)

• Start by assessing the prior month’s income and expenses:
• Compare actual spending to your budgeted amounts.
• Identify areas where you overspent or underspent.
• Reflect on any unexpected expenses and how they impacted your budget.
• Example: Last month, I spent $50 more on supplies than planned, but I also saved $75 on marketing costs.
• Pro tip: Use color-coding in your tracker to highlight trends.

Segment 3: Step 2 - Plan for the New Month

• Set your income expectations:
• Account for services, retail, and tips.
• Consider any planned promotions or special events that might affect revenue.
• Do not forget to count for no shows or appointments moving.
• List all expected expenses:
• Fixed: rent
• Variable: supplies, education, marketing,
• Irregular: annual fees (amazon, insurance) , one-time purchases.
• Include a buffer for unexpected costs (5-10% of your monthly expenses).

Segment 4: Step 3 - Set Your Monthly Goals

• Tie your financial goals to your budget:
• Example: Save $200 for new tools or pay off a $500 debt.
• Use the SMART framework:
• Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound.
• Pro tip: Break larger goals into monthly chunks to stay motivated.

Segment 5: Step 4 - Track Weekly Progress

• Importance of checking in weekly:
• Prevents overspending.
• Helps you course-correct mid-month.
• Quick tasks for weekly reviews:
• Log all income and expenses onto a sheet 
• Update your tracker or app.
• Adjust your budget if necessary.
• Example: If you earn $200 extra in tips, decide how to allocate it immediately—savings, debt, or a fun purchase. - I save all my tips for something for myself.

Segment 6: Step 5 - Celebrate and Reflect

• Celebrate small wins: Did you stick to your budget? Save more than expected? Pay off debt? Acknowledge your progress.
• Reflect on challenges:
• What worked well?
• What could you improve next month?
• Reminder: Budgeting is a journey, not a sprint. Give yourself grace while staying consistent.

Conclusion

• Recap the steps of the monthly budget routine:
• Review the previous month.
• Plan for the new month.
• Set your monthly goals.
• Track weekly progress.
• Celebrate and reflect.
• Actionable takeaway: Block out time for your own budget routine this month and commit to doing it every month moving forward.
• Reminder about the free resources available:
• Budgeting checklist and expense tracker (link in the show notes).
• Teaser for next week’s bonus episode: We’ll be diving into personal budgeting tips for independent stylists. Don’t miss it!