Budgeting For Dummies

Chapter 11

Budgeting in a Tough Economy

IN THIS CHAPTER

Navigating inflation

Tracking expenses related to your job

Determining how to budget with irregular pay

You may be saving for a rainy day, paying off debt, and living your best life within your budget, but what happens when things go rogue? If you lose your job, will you be able to survive on your savings and bounce back? Or will you end up putting your living expenses on credit cards? Budgeting in any economy means you must be ready to take on different situations and put your resources to good use. In this chapter, I show you how to prepare for economic changes that are out of your control. So lace up those boxing gloves and get ready to be thrown into the ring.

Keeping Your Head through the Ups and Downs of Inflation

Inflation is an economic situation marked by increased price levels and decreased purchasing power. In inflated markets, items no longer cost what you’re used to or even what they should. So many factors go into inflation rates that everyday consumers have no control over. Even without control over the inflation rate, however, you can do your best to make your budget work for you. I offer some suggestions ...