What is the first step in creating a budget?

The first step in creating a budget is to list all sources of income. This foundational action is essential because understanding how much money you have coming in is crucial for making informed financial decisions. By identifying every source of income, whether it’s from a salary, freelance work, investments, or any other means, you establish a clear financial picture that allows you to allocate funds effectively across various expenses.

Once you have a complete view of your income, you can then move on to categorizing expenses, tracking actual spending, and setting spending limits. Each of these steps relies on having an accurate understanding of your income to ensure that your budget is realistic and achievable.