Budgeting 101

Budgeting Tools: Which Ones You Need in Your Toolbox

Written by Mint
Published Aug 26, 2020 - [Updated Dec 8, 2020]
2 min read
The views expressed on this blog are those of the bloggers, and not necessarily those of Intuit. Third-party blogger may have received compensation for their time and services. Click here to read full disclosure on third-party bloggers. This blog does not provide legal, financial, accounting or tax advice. The content on this blog is "as is" and carries no warranties. Intuit does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy, reliability, and completeness of the content on this blog. After 20 days, comments are closed on posts. Intuit may, but has no obligation to, monitor comments. Comments that include profanity or abusive language will not be posted. Click here to read full Terms of Service.

At Mint, we’re interested in helping you create a budget that actually works. We want you to stay on track for the long haul, well after the initial excitement of creating a budget has worn off. Here are some of our recommended budgeting tools to help you achieve your financial goals.

Financial Tracking Software

The first step to making a budget is to figure out what you’re earning and what you’re spending. Financial tracking software like Mint.com helps you do that by organizing and categorizing your spending, then helping you set up your financial goals.

A Spending System

Develop a system so that whenever you spend money, you can record the amount going out, and the budget category. Websites like Mint let you easily enter each transaction, allowing you to see where your money is going, what’s in your accounts, and what you owe.
Payment Reminders

Whether you use a service like Mint (which offers e-mail and text reminders), or your own calendar system, develop a way to remind yourself when bills are due, so you can avoid late fees and unnecessary interest payments.

Mobile Access

If you own a smartphone or tablet, it helps to have access to your budget from your device, so you can keep your accounts up to date, no matter where you are. Not only does this help you stay on top of your budget, it also prevents a collection of receipts from building up in your wallet.

A Time to Review

A budget is not a “set it and forget it” exercise. You need to review your budget frequently, comparing it to what you’ve actually spent. You can set up a calendar reminder to review at the same time each month, or you can use a tool like Mint to keep you constantly in sync.

No matter whether your household is filled with financial gurus or first-time budgeters, the tools outlined here will help. If you can measure it, you can manage it — and the tools listed above will help you do both.

Mint.com comes with a full suite of budgeting tools that you can use to create your budget and achieve your financial goals. Click here to sign up!

Google+

Mint is passionate about helping you to achieve financial goals through education and with powerful tools, personalized insights, and much more. More from Mint