human
Could you tell me how to set up a budget?
assistant
Setting up a budget is an important first step to establishing your financial goals. To begin, list out your current sources of income, such as salary, investments, or other side hustles. Once you have the income sources identified, list out all of your expenses, such as rent or mortgage, utilities, food, entertainment, etc. With these expenses listed, calculate your total monthly costs by adding them up. Then, subtract this number from your income sources to determine your budget surplus or deficit. Finally, set up a plan to reach your financial goals. Consider saving a certain percentage of your income each month depending on how much debt you have and what you would like to save for. Try to stick to your budget and adjust the numbers as needed.