Creating a budget is one of the most effective ways to take control of your finances. A well-structured budget helps you track your income and expenses, build savings, and make informed financial decisions. Whether you're saving for a big purchase, planning for retirement, or just trying to manage day-to-day expenses, a budget can keep you on the right path.

At Better Banks, we believe managing your money should be simple, effective, and personalized. As a community bank, we provide the tools and guidance to help you succeed financially—without the impersonal experience of larger banks. Here’s how to create a budget that works for you and how Better Banks can help.

1. Determine Your Income

Start by calculating your total monthly income, including your paycheck, side gigs, or passive income. If your income varies, use an average of the past few months for a more accurate estimate.

2. Track Your Expenses

To create an effective budget, you need a clear picture of where your money goes. Reviewing your past three months of spending is a great place to start. If you bank with Better Banks, you can use our online banking tools to categorize your expenses and add tags or notes. Separate your expenses into:

• Fixed expenses – Rent/mortgage, insurance, loan payments
• Variable expenses – Groceries, utilities, gas
• Discretionary expenses – Entertainment, dining out, shopping

3. Set Savings Goals

A budget isn’t just about covering expenses—it’s about building financial security. Financial experts recommend saving at least 20% of your income, but even small amounts add up over time.

Better Banks offers a high-interest checking account that allows you to earn cashback on your everyday spending and offers savings options that help your money grow while keeping it accessible. Unlike big banks that treat you like an account number, we work with you one-on-one to create a savings strategy that fits your goals.

4. Create Spending Categories and Limits

A popular budgeting method is the 50/30/20 rule:

• 50% of your income goes to necessities
• 30% goes to discretionary spending
• 20% goes toward savings and debt repayment

Better Banks can help you set up multiple accounts to manage these categories, making it easier to stick to your budget.

5. Automate and Monitor Your Budget

Automation takes the stress out of budgeting. Set up direct deposits into your savings, enable auto-pay for bills, and use our online banking tools to track your spending in real-time. Our personalized service means you’ll always have a real person to help if you have questions—something you won’t get from the big banks.

6. Adjust as Needed

Your budget isn’t set in stone. Life changes, and so should your financial plan. That’s why Better Banks offers personalized financial advice and banking solutions that adapt to your needs.

Take Control of Your Finances with Better Banks

Budgeting isn’t about restriction—it’s about making smart financial choices. At Better Banks, we’re here to help with:

• High-interest checking account that helps you earn more
  ✅ Online banking tools that make budgeting easy
  ✅ Personalized service that big banks can’t match

If you’re ready to take control of your finances with a bank that puts you first, visit your nearest Better Banks location or check out our website. Let’s build a better financial future together!