Budgeting is a system where you track your expenses to see how your money is spent over a set amount of time.
For example, this could be how much you spend per week, month or year.
If you know what you are spending your money on, you can ensure you don't spend more than your total household income.
Many people find the best way is to divide it into essential and non-essential items.
Essentials items are the things you have to pay. For example, rent, council tax, electricity, gas, water and food.
Non-essential items could include cigarettes, alcohol, magazines, snack and treats.
The Money Advice Service has a budget planner that is free and easy to use.
We can also provide advice. Just fill in an online form.