How to budget between paydays
Make a plan for the money you have until your next pay.
A payday budget brings upcoming bills and everyday spending into one view. Start with the money available today and update your plan as circumstances change.
1. List your available money
Record the amount available and check it against your bank. Include pending transactions and avoid counting the same money twice.
2. List bills due before payday
Write down each bill, its due date and amount. Set aside money for fixed costs first and consider irregular expenses that need a reserve.
3. Plan flexible spending
Choose amounts for groceries, transport and other priorities. Leave a buffer where possible, and adjust the plan if the total exceeds what you have.
Worked example
If you have $500 and bills of $150 before payday, $350 remains for groceries, transport, savings and other needs. A $30 purchase would leave $320 in this simple example. Check other pending costs before deciding what you can spend.
Review and adjust
Record spending as it happens and review your plan regularly. McNut Budgeting helps organise the records you enter; it does not connect to your bank or move money.