[header] How to create a budget [title] Record the net monthly income that you receive. [step] Net income is the amount that you actually get to take home, after all the deductions (taxes, health care) have been subtracted. Include other sources of income as well if applicable, such as tips, monthly bonuses, cost of living increases, dividends, interest income, etc. 
[substeps] What do you do if your income is constantly changing? You pretty much have to do things topsy-turvy. Determine all your essential, priority and lifestyle expenses first.