16.2 budgeting techiniques Flashcards
What statement can help you develop budget categories?
cash flow statement
for a budget to be _____, it must be followed
for a budget to be successful, it must be followed
Mary and Fred budgeted $340 a month for groceries. During the month, they spent $87, $93, $38, $61, and $52 at the supermarket.
- what was the total amount spent for food?
- did mary and fred have a budget deficit or surplus?
- What was the amount?
- 87+93+38+61+52 = $331
- surplus because they spent LESS than what they budgeted
- $340-331 = $9
name some examples of fixed expenses
- rent
- mortgage
- payments
- insurance premiums
What goes under a clothing budget category?
- clothes
- shoes
- dry cleaning
- clothing repairs
a good ____ should take very little of your time, but it should provide needed information on your spending and savings plans
a good budget should take very little of your time, but it should provide needed information on your spending and savings plan
spending is greater than planned spending
deficit
a ____ allows you to meet your personal goals with a system of saving and wise spending
a budget allows you to meet your personal goals with a system of saving and wise spending
What are 5 common characteristics of a successful budget?
- realistic - should reflect current income and planned spending
- flexible - when unexpected expenses arise, our spending plan should be able to adapt for these costs
- should be evaluated regularly - everye few months, evaluate the budget to determine if its still appropriate
- well planned and clearly communicated - all family members should discuss financial goals, wants and needs and plans for spending
- simple format - if its too detailed and difficult to understand, family members may not be willing to use the spending plan
the most uncertain aspect of the budgeting process involves
- estimating variable expenses
- determining net worth
- estimating fixed expenses
- setting financial goals
estimating variable expenses
Most financial advisers recommend that an amount be set aside for _____ as the first part of the budget
savings
What goes under a household budget category?
- rent
- mortgage
- property taxes
- insurance
- utilities
- furnishings
- household supplies
- household repairs
What goes under a savings budget category?
- savings accounts
- government bonds
- stocks
- other investments
What goes under a food budget category?
- food eaten at home
- meals eaten out / away from home
what type of expenses may not be easy to estimate?
variable expenses
What goes under a gifts and contributions budget category?
- charitable contributions (church, red cross, etc)
- personal gifts
name some examples of variable expenses
- food
- clothing
- utilities
- medical and dental costs
the amount of money you plan to use for a certain budget category
allowance