30 Days to a Better Budget

Days 1-2: Gather documents

Collect checking and savings account statements, bills, and income records. If you don’t have access to everything, start with what you have available, like recent pay stubs or receipts. SECU members can view up to 18 months of account statements through online Member Access. You can also view account activity, transaction history, and cleared check images through Member Access.

Days 3-5: Sort spending into essentials vs. non-essentials

Focus on basics first, including housing, food, transportation, and loan payments. Taking stock of the essentials lays the groundwork for sorting the remainder of your expenses.

Days 6-7: Start to track daily spending

Logging every dollar spent can feel overwhelming, so start by focusing on discretionary spending that can add up quickly like fast food, subscription services, or impulse buys.

Days 8-10: Find ways to save daily

Look for small, manageable changes like cooking at home versus eating out or making your coffee instead of stopping by the coffee shop every day. Although it can seem small, a few dollars here and there can add up over time.

Days 11-13: Commit to one realistic goal

Maybe it’s cutting out a subscription service or membership or paying one credit card bill in full. Each win builds momentum.

Day 14: Choose a budgeting style that fits your situation

Decide what budgeting system supports your finances. This can include the 50/30/20 rule or zero-based budgeting. The 50/30/20 rule breaks your budget down to 50% for necessities, 30% for wants, and 20% to savings. With zero-based budgeting, you make the most of every dollar by taking your monthly income and allocating those funds until there is none left.

Days 15-17: Adjust spending based on what’s possible

You can make an impact by finding small ways to stay on top of expenses. If you need help, learn more about how to create a spending plan.

Days 18-20: Automate what you can

This can be as easy as setting reminders to pay bills or setting up BillPay.

Day 21: Revisit and adjust

Don’t be discouraged if your plan needs adjusting. Take time to celebrate what worked, and tweak what fell short of your expectations.

Days 22-25: Find affordable options

You don’t have to completely cut certain services to have an impact on your budget. Choosing the more economical packages for television, phone, and other subscriptions can help you save over time.

Days 26-29: Prepare for unexpected expenses

Set aside a certain amount in savings each month for emergencies. You can start small such as $5 or $10, then add more as you pay down debt or your income increases.

Day 30: Reflect on progress (no matter how small)

If you made any improvement this month, celebrate it!