Money – managing it can be confusing, irritating and downright difficult: there never seems to be enough of it. Managing your money is more difficult in this era of high inflation, but there are usually ways to manage and (hopefully) ways to help cut back on your spending. Let’s delve into those, shall we? 

1. The Foundation: Budgeting. Budgeting is the foundation upon which everything else is built. Knowing how much money you have coming in, how much is going out, and where it’s all going, is all an integral part of budgeting. Start by tracking your expenses and categorizing them into essentials (like rent, utilities, and groceries) and non-essentials (like dining out and entertainment). While many people are cutting their expenses to the bone, others are still splurging on Door Dash and Uber rides. Everyone needs to have fun now and then blow off steam; you may want to budget any extra money into a separate account for “fun,” and use that to pay for high-quality items, a vacation, or something else. If you can manage it. 
2. The Debt Monster:  Debt doesn’t have to feel like a burden; remove that weight from your shoulders by tackling your debt strategically. Consider using the snowball or avalanche method – paying off debts either from smallest to largest or from the highest interest rate to lowest – whichever motivates you most. You may have to take on a side hustle, freelance, or take on a to help you tackle your debt. 
3. Investing 101: Investing is like planting seeds for your financial future – the earlier you start, the more they can grow. It does involve some risk. You can start by looking some stocks to invest in for the future. Instead of simply saving money for the sake of saving money, use your saved income for investments or starting a business. Begin by educating yourself about the basics of investing, including different asset classes like stocks, bonds, and real estate. Taking risks looks different for everyone. 
4. Protecting What Matters: Insurance is an essential component of any financial plan. There are different types of insurance to look into, from health insurance, to life insurance, to car insurance.  You can research the best fit for you.
5. Planning for the Future: It’s not like in the old days, where employers would offer a fully-funded pension in exchange for loyalty to the company. But if there are companies that still offer pensions, be sure to take advantage of those retirement plans. Consider contributing to retirement accounts like a 401(k) or IRA, taking advantage of employer matching contributions. And try not to overlook the importance of estate planning and drafting a living will. While often considered a difficult task, estate planning is an essential component of comprehensive financial management.
6. Seeking Professional Guidance: People put off organizing their personal finances because it can feel overwhelming. To help move things along, you may want professional advice from a financial advisor. An advisor can provide personalized advice and guidance. You will want to find someone who is the right fit for you: you wouldn’t want to pick someone just because he/she is the person with whom your parents worked with.  It all boils down to research. 

Understanding personal finance is essential for building a secure future. Master the basics of budgeting, debt management, investing, insurance, retirement planning, and financial literacy to help you in your quest for a better budget.