Start with what you actually spend

Before designing a budget, track your real spending for a month (bank statements and mobile money history make this easier). Most people are surprised by at least one category.

A simple split to try

A commonly used starting framework: roughly 50% of income to needs (rent, food, transport, utilities), 30% to wants (entertainment, dining out), and 20% to savings and debt repayment. Treat this as a starting point to adjust to your own situation, not a strict rule.

Pay yourself first

Rather than saving whatever is left at the end of the month (often nothing), set aside your savings and investment contribution as soon as income arrives, then budget the rest.

Keep it simple enough to maintain

A budget you abandon after two weeks isn't useful. A simple spreadsheet, notebook, or this app's Expense tracker — logged consistently — beats an elaborate system you give up on.

Review, don't just set

Revisit your budget monthly. Life changes — rent increases, a new dependent, a raise — should update your plan rather than leaving it stale.