How to Budget on an Irregular Income

Ever felt the rush of a hefty paycheck, only to be followed by months of financial drought? Do you dance to the unpredictable rhythm of freelance gigs, sales commissions, or seasonal jobs? Balancing monthly bills becomes an art for many workers navigating the challenges of irregular incomes. This article might be your guiding compass if you're in this group.

Key Takeaways: Budgeting on an Irregular Income

• Identify and list your baseline monthly fixed expenses, like housing, transportation, food, personal loan payments, health-related costs, and other monthly expenses.
• Monitor non-essential expenditures for a few months and determine an average. This will give you clarity on your spending habits.
• Review your past earnings and identify the lowest monthly income you earn in a typical month. Plan your essential expenses around this figure to always cover the basics.
• Include all sources of earnings in your budget, even minor ones like gifts, garage sales, cashback, or loose change. Every bit counts!

How to Budget on an Irregular Income?

1. Figure Out Your Baseline Monthly Expenses

Start by knowing your basic monthly costs when budgeting on an unpredictable income. 

"Think about what you pay for a place to live, turning on lights, getting around town, eating, and any loans or medical bills. By understanding these numbers, you can create an effective monthly budget, even if your paycheck changes." - Jesse Hanson, Content Manager at Online Solitaire & World of Card Games.

2. Calculate the Monthly Average of Your Discretionary Spending

When we talk about discretionary spending, we mean the money you spend on extra fun stuff, not the essential things like bills or groceries. To calculate your monthly average, jot down what you spend money on clothes, take-out meals, video games, gym memberships, and more each day.

"At the end of the month, add all your notes and divide by the number of days in that month. You'll see your daily average spending. Remember, being aware helps you manage your money wisely and save for something special." - Alex Milligan, Co-founder & CMO of NuggMD.

3. Determine Your Baseline Income

Think of your baseline Income as the least amount of money you'll get every month, especially if you're starting a business or have a job where your paychecks vary significantly. It's like knowing the minimum score you need to pass a test. 

By figuring out this number, you can set a basic budget and cover your most important expenses first. Then, any extra money is a bonus to save or spend carefully!

4. Include Additional Earnings

When creating a budget with an irregular income, don't forget your extra earnings. This includes bonuses, gifts, or side jobs. Perhaps even pursuing small business ideas that resonate with your skills can add income.  

Add these to your budget. This way, you'll see the full picture of your money. It helps you plan better and avoid surprises. Remember, every bit counts.

5. Subtract Your Expenses from Income

Think of your income like a big pizza and your expenses as slices you give away. When budgeting with an unpredictable income, know how many slices (expenses) you have each month. 

Then, see how much of the pizza (income) is left. If you're earning different amounts, always plan based on the lowest monthly income estimate, so you won't run out of slices! This helps you manage your money better, even if your earnings change.

"It's all about the balance. Ensure your outgoings never exceed your smallest expected income to maintain financial health." - Tom Golubovich, Head of Marketing & Media Relations at Ninja Transfers.

6. Plan to Build an Emergency Fund

An emergency fund is a safety net of money that you keep aside just in case unexpected stuff happens, like your computer breaking down or sudden medical expenses. Especially when your income varies from month to month, planning becomes super important. 

"You've gotta be like a squirrel, stashing away a part of the nuts (or in this case, money) you find on the good days, so you have something to rely on during the not-so-good days. Your financial cushion keeps you bouncing back, no matter what life throws at you!" - Linda Shaffer, Chief People Operations Officer at Checkr.

7. Save the Excess

Don't spend it all when you get a bigger paycheck than usual! Save the extra. Consider depositing these funds into a savings account. This way, you'll have money set aside when you earn less for some months. 

Think of it like saving slices of a big pie for later, so you'll always have a piece when you're hungry.

8. Make Adjustments on Payday

Think of payday as a surprise gift! When you get paid, tweak your budget based on how much you receive. This helps make sure you can cover everything, even when your income changes from month to month!

9. Review Your Budget Every Month

When you have an income that changes month-to-month, it's like having a surprise in your wallet every time! Because of this, it's super important to check your budget every month.

"Think of it like updating your playlist; sometimes you've got to switch out the old songs for new ones. By reviewing your budget, you ensure you're not spending too much and can save for fun stuff!" - Ryan Hammill, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Ancient Language Institute.

10. Don't Let Irregular Income Hurt Your Credit

Having an income that changes can be tricky. To protect your credit score and cover estimated taxes, plan ahead! 

"Save some money during good times to cover bills during slow periods. Creating a smart budget ensures you always pay on time, no matter how much you earn. This will keep your credit in top shape!" - Jonathan Elster, CEO at EcomHalo.

Additional Budgeting Strategies to Try with an Irregular Income

1. Use Your Average Income

When you get paid differently each time, budgeting can be tricky. A cool tip? Find out your average monthly income over a few months. Then, every month, use this average as a pretend 'fixed salary.' This way, you know roughly how much you can spend and save!

2. Try a Zero-Sum Budget

Imagine you have a big jar of cookies. A zero-sum budget means you plan exactly how to share every single cookie, maybe with your family or saving some for later, so in the end, the jar is empty. 

For money, it's the same; you tell every dollar you earn exactly where to go, like savings, buying stuff, or fun activities. This way, every buck has a job, and you control your money instead of wondering where it disappeared at the end of the month!

3. Create a Holiday Account

Planning for holidays can be tricky when you have an income that changes month-to-month. So, why not start a holiday bank account? It's like a savings piggy bank just for your holidays! Every month, put a little money into this bank account. That way, when the holiday season comes, you're ready to enjoy without any money worries.

4. Use Two Budgets

Imagine having two backpacks: one for sunny days filled with fun goodies and another for rainy days with essentials like an umbrella. Similarly, with an irregular income, set up two budgets.

One is for good times when you earn more, allowing for extra treats. The other? A tighter budget for leaner times, ensuring essentials are covered.

How Does a Budget Differ When You Have an Irregular Income vs. a Predictable Income?

When you have a predictable income, budgeting is like planning your month with a set allowance; you know exactly how much money you will have. 

But with an irregular income, it's a bit like a roller coaster ride, where some months you might have a lot of money and others very little due to fluctuating income. 

The trick here is to save extra money in good months to help you in lean months, like storing nuts for the winter, just like squirrels do.

Final Thoughts: Ready to Master Your Irregular Income?

Budgeting on an irregular income might seem challenging, but with the right strategies, it's manageable. Remember, preparation and adaptability are key. Now that you've armed yourself with these tools, it's time to take control and ensure your financial stability, regardless of ups and downs.