Pulling a budget together can be a pain.  

It can also be a bit confronting, particularly if you've had your head in the sand with your finances, all the while knowing, deep down, that your spending's out of control.  

The trick is to make it super simple.  

The simpler, the better, basically.  

That way, you'll be much more likely to make it stick.  

Okay, so your super simple budget template will have four categories – only four!

Here are the categories, including their ideal spread...

Bills and living (50-60%)

Include all the regular costs you can’t change.  

Investments (10%)

Include regular contributions you make.  

Savings (5-10%)

Include savings for your emergency fund, holidays and the like.  

Your me fund (20-35%)

Include guilt-free spending on entertainment, and eating out.  

On a very basic level, you know now where your money’s going.  

If everything’s in range, great – high-fives.  

If it’s a bit out of whack, Houston, we have a problem.  

Not to worry, though, you now know precisely where you need to start.

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