[Finances] Budgeting and Mint

I broke a previous post into two separate posts today... They weren't as on topic as I would like.


Budgeting is really important to make finances work, at any level of income.

I recommend starting with a program like Mint.  (No, I have not received any gifts or income from Mint.com. I just find their software incredibly useful, and want to share.)

 
Mint tracks your monthly expenses and incomes, and allows you to set a budget to see if you stay within it. Once you figure out what your budget is likely to be with a child, set yourself up a few trial months. See if that works for you, where you extra expenses are coming from, and where you can tighten things up. Then, once the baby comes, you'll be set.

But...where do you get the budget numbers in the first place of what you'll be spending?

A tool you can use to figure out your own personal situation is the LivingWage calculator for BC. On the website listed, you can access an excel spreadsheet and input your own current income numbers. Note that the starting numbers in the spreadsheet upon arrival are for a two parent family, both working, with two children, aged 4 and 7. If you personalize the numbers, this can give you a general idea of the subsidies you would qualify for, to help budget.