 TITLE: How to Budget Using Multiple Accounts CONTENT: The Case for Creating a Budget\n------------------------------\nSome find the idea of budgeting restrictive and time-consuming, and it can certainly be a complex task depending on the method you choose. At its most basic, however, a budget is merely a way of keeping track of your spending so you can make sure there's enough left over to do the things you want. It might help to think about budgeting as a means to an end: If your ultimate goal is to own a home, travel more or to buy all the guitar gear you want, a budget can help you get there.\nThe first step in budgeting is to identify how much money you're bringing in each month, being sure to factor in your partner's earnings if you're a dual-income household. Then, take a look at your expenses, either by tracking them in real time going forward, or by looking back on one to three months' worth of bank account and credit card statements. This will give you an overall picture of how much you spend by category (groceries, meals out, entertainment, utilities, housing, car maintenance and the like). As you create your budget, knowing your previous spending will help you decide how much to allocate toward each category and whether you need to cut back in one area to cover another.\nThen comes the fun part: Think about your financial goals and start crafting a savings strategy. Maybe you want to retire early, buy a beach house or live as a digital nomad for a period of time. When budgeting, make sure to work in a monthly savings goal for each major milestone you want to hit. That can also help you figure out how much to siphon away from your entertainment or personal care spending, for instance. END