Budget Templates & Examples

One size does not fit all. A student's budget looks very different from a family of four.

1. The Student Budget (The "Survival" Mode)

Goal: Stretch limited pocket money. Income: ₹5,000 (Pocket Money) + ₹2,000 (Internship). Total: ₹7,000.

Tip: Use student discounts everywhere (Spotify Student, Metro Pass).

2. The Bachelor / First Job Budget (The "Freedom" Mode)

Goal: Enjoy life but start investing. Income: ₹30,000.

Tip: Avoid the "Lifestyle Inflation" trap. Don't buy a car just because you got a job.

3. The Family Budget (The "Responsibility" Mode)

Goal: Stability and Future Planning. Income: ₹1,00,000 (Combined).

Tip: Emergency Fund is non-negotiable here.

4. The Freelancer Budget (The "Feast & Famine" Mode)

Goal: Smooth out irregular income. Income: Varies (₹20k to ₹1L).

Strategy:

1. Calculate Minimum Survival Number (e.g., ₹30,000).
2. In good months (₹1L), put ₹70,000 into a "Buffer Account".
3. In bad months (₹20k), pull ₹10,000 from Buffer Account.
4. Pay yourself a Fixed Salary from the Buffer Account.

7-Day Action Plan

Day 1: Identify which profile fits you (Student, Bachelor, Family, Freelancer).
Day 2: Copy the percentage allocation above.
Day 3: Adjust it for your city (Rent in Mumbai > Rent in Jaipur).
Day 4: Create a "Sinking Fund" category (saving for annual expenses like Insurance).
Day 5: If you are a freelancer, open a separate bank account for business income.
Day 6: Review your last 3 months. Did you fit this template?
Day 7: Create your own "Personalized Template" and stick it on your wall.

Quiz

💡 Final Wisdom: Templates are starting points, not laws. Modify them. But have a plan.