Creating a budget can be confusing. It helps to start first with the big picture! Figure out your total budget based on take-home pay, not gross pay. The best guideline for getting started is the 50-30-20 rule. It helps you define your big spending buckets. The “needs” bucket holds everything you must have to survive, such as housing, food, transportation, credit card debt, student loan payments, and medical expenses. If your “needs” exceed 50% of your budget, take from your “wants” bucket, usually set aside for entertainment, vacation, clothing, and eating out. What’s left is perfect for retirement planning and a rainy day emergency fund. Best of luck with your budgeting!