Budgeting – Definitions, Process and (Top) 7 Types of Budgeting (2024)

Budgeting is an integral part of any business or organization. As it helps in determining the financial plan and goals for a specific period of time. Budgeting involves calculating the revenue and expenses for a specific period. And then align them in a manner to achieve the desired financial targets.

Definitions of Budget

David E. Keyserlingk said that “A budget is a detailed plan for the allocation and expenditure of financial resources over a specified period of time, typically a year.”

Robert M. Groves and Barbara L. Stephenson said that “A budget is a projection of revenues and expenditures for a given period, usually a year, for an individual, household, business, or government.”

James M. Ferris and Robert S. McNamara told that “A budget is a quantitative statement of planned expenditures and revenues over a specified period and under specific assumptions.”

Katherine Willoughby and David H. Rhys said that “A budget is a statement of intended income and expenditure over a specified period of time, usually a year, which sets out a plan for achieving financial objectives.”

Kenneth E. Boulding said that “A budget is a map, not a territory. It is a way of ordering the future through anticipatory decisions.”

7 Most Common Types of Budgets

In accounting, there are several types of budgets that organizations use. Each serves a unique purpose and provides valuable information to the management. So in this article, we will discuss the different types of budgets used in accounting and their significance in making informed financial decisions.

1. Operating Budget
2. Capital Budget
3. Master Budget
4. Cash Budget
5. Flexible Budget
6. Zero-Based Budget
7. Performance-Based Budget

Operating Budget

An operating budget is the most basic type of budget and is created to manage the day-to-day operations of a business. It includes a detailed estimation of all the revenue and expenses that a business is likely to incur in a specific period of time.

The operating budget helps in determining the cost of production, overhead costs, and expected sales volume. So this information is use to make the right decisions on pricing, production levels, and resource allocation.

Capital Budget

A capital budgeting is use to check and plan for long-term investments such as new equipment, property, or expansion projects. Capital budgets are generally creates for a longer period of time, basically for three to five years. And are use to determine the uses of a proposed project.

So the capital budget helps in determining the amount of capital required for the project, the expected return on investment, and the impact on cash flow.

Master Budget

The master budget is a complete budget that brings together all the different budgets, including the operating and capital budgets, into a single document. This budget serves as a roadmap for a business and helps in determining the overall financial position of the organization.

The master budget includes a detailed analysis of the expected revenue, expenses, and cash flows, and helps in identifying potential areas of improvement.

Cash Budget

A cash budget is used to forecast the expected cash inflows and outflows for a specific period of time. So the cash budget helps in determining the cash balance at the end of the period. And the potential need for short-term financing.

A cash budget is an important tool for managing the liquidity of a business. And helps in avoiding potential cash flow problems.

Flexible Budget

A flexible budget is a budget that adjusts to changes in the level of activity. So this type of budget is useful for businesses that experience fluctuations in demand. As it allows them to adjust their expenses accordingly. So the flexible budget helps in determining the expected expenses for a specific level of activity. And it can be use to identify cost savings opportunities.

Zero-Based Budget

A zero-based budget is a budgeting approach that starts with a clean slate and requires every expense to be justified to be included in the budget. Unlike other budgeting approaches that start with last year’s budget as a baseline, a zero-based budget requires every expense to be evaluated. And justified based on current needs and priorities.

This approach helps organizations to focus their resources on the most important areas and cut unnecessary expenses.

Performance-Based Budget

A performance budget is a budget that is create based on the expected performance of the organization. So this type of budgeting approach focuses on the results and outcomes that a business wants to achieve and allocates resources based on the expected performance.

The performance-based budget helps organizations to align their spending with their strategic goals and ensure that resources are being used effectively. This approach also allows organizations to measure the effectiveness of their spending and make adjustments as needed.

Steps to Creating a Budget Plan

Assess your financial resources

The first step is to calculate how much money you have coming in each month. This might be investment income, government help, student loans, employment income, disability benefits, retirement pensions or money from other sources.

Determine your expenses

To determine your expenses, you need to gather all necessary information about your financial obligations and expenditures. Here is a step-by-step process to complete this task:

1. Gather your financial documentation: Collect your bank statements, credit card statements, bills, receipts, and any other relevant documents that provide information about your expenses.
2. Categorize your expenses: Divide your expenses into different categories such as housing, transportation, food, utilities, entertainment, debt payments, insurance, and miscellaneous expenses. This will help you gain a clear understanding of where your money is being spent.
3. Analyze fixed and variable expenses: Differentiate between fixed expenses, which remain constant each month (e.g., rent or mortgage payment), and variable expenses, which can change (e.g., dining out or shopping). This distinction will help you identify areas where you can reduce costs.
4. Review previous months’ expenses: Examine your past statements and receipts to understand your spending patterns. Look for any recurring expenses or trends that might impact your budgeting decisions.
5. Identify necessary and discretionary expenses: Differentiate between essential expenses (e.g., housing, utilities, food) and discretionary expenses (e.g., entertainment, non-essential subscriptions). This will assist you in prioritizing your spending and cutting back on non-essential items.
6. Use budgeting tools or software: Use budgeting tools or apps to input your expenses and track them . These tools can help you visualize your spending, set spending limits, and identify areas for improvement.
7. Calculate your monthly expenses: Add up all your expenses from each category to determine your total monthly expenditure. This will give you a clear picture of how much money you need to cover your basic needs and other financial obligations.

By following this process, you will have a comprehensive understanding of your expenses and be better equipped to make informed financial decisions.

Set goals

To set financial goals, you should follow these steps:

1. Start by determining what you want to achieve. Think about both short-term and long-term goals. Short-term goals could include saving for a vacation or paying off a small debt, while long-term goals may involve saving for retirement or buying a house.
2. Make your goals specific and measurable. Instead of saying “save money,” specify how much you want to save and by when. This will make your goals more tangible and easier to track.
3. Focus on your goals: Determine which goals are most important to you and should be achieved first. Consider the urgency and impact of each goal on your financial well-being.
4. Set realistic and achievable goals: Take into account your current financial situation, income, and expenses. Avoid setting goals that are too ambitious or beyond your means, as this may lead to frustration or disappointment.
5. Break down your goals into smaller, manageable steps. This will help make your goals more attainable and keep you motivated along the way. For example, if your goal is to save $10,000 in a year, break it down into saving $833 per month or $192 per week.
6. Write down your goals. Putting your goals in writing will make them more concrete and hold you accountable. Keep your list of goals somewhere visible, such as a vision board or on your desk, to serve as a constant reminder.
7. Review and update your goals. As your financial situation evolves, you may need to adjust your goals. Reviewing and revising your goals will ensure they remain relevant and achievable.

By following these steps, you will be able to set financial goals that align with your aim of assessing your financial resources and create a plan to achieve them.

Create a plan

To create a plan for managing your finances, you should follow these steps:

1. Check your financial situation: Start by assessing your current income, expenses, and debts. Take a close look at your bank statements, bills, and any other financial documents to understand your financial position.
2. Set financial goals: Determine what you want to achieve in both the short and long term. Whether it’s saving for a down payment on a house, paying off debt, or building an emergency fund, having specific goals will help you stay focused and motivated.
3. Focus on your goals: Once you have identified your financial goals, rank them based on their importance and urgency. This will help you divide your resources and ensure you’re working towards the most critical goals first.
4. Create a budget: Develop a monthly or weekly budget to track your income and expenses. Start by listing all your sources of income and then categorize your expenses into fixed (e.g., rent, utilities) and variable (e.g., groceries, entertainment). Divide a specific amount to each category and ensure that your expenses do not exceed your income.
5. Cut unnecessary expenses: Review your expenses and identify areas where you can reduce or cut unnecessary costs. This could include eating out less, canceling unused subscriptions, or finding more cost-effective alternatives for certain expenses.
6. Establish an emergency fund: It’s crucial to have a safety net for unexpected expenses. Aim to save at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses in a separate savings account to provide financial security during challenging times.
7. Automate savings and bill payments: Make use of technology to simplify your financial management. Set up automatic transfers to your savings account and arrange for automatic bill payments whenever possible. This will help ensure you save and avoid late payment fees.
8. Review and adjust : Financial planning is an ongoing process. review your plan, track your progress, and make adjustments as needed. Life circumstances and financial goals may change, so it’s important to stay flexible and adapt your plan.

By following these steps, you can create a comprehensive financial plan that aligns with your goals and sets you on a path towards financial stability and success. Remember to track your progress and make adjustments when necessary to stay on track.

Pay yourself first

To complete the task of “Pay yourself first,” you need to focus on saving money for yourself before allocating funds for other expenses. This practice ensures that you are setting aside money for your future financial goals and securing your financial well-being.

When determining how much to pay yourself first, consider your financial situation, including your income, expenses, and financial goals. It is recommended to save at least 20% of your monthly income, but the exact amount can vary depending on individual circumstances.

The reasoning behind paying yourself first is that it fosters a habit of saving and helps you build an emergency fund or invest in long-term goals such as retirement. By setting aside money for yourself upfront, you are less likely to spend it on unnecessary expenses and more likely to make progress towards achieving your financial objectives.

To use this, you can set up an automatic transfer from your checking account to a dedicated savings or investment account. This way, the funds are saved before you have a chance to spend them elsewhere. Treat this transfer as a non-negotiable expense, like paying your bills or meeting other financial obligations.

By paying yourself first and saving, you are taking control of your financial future and developing good financial habits. It allows you to work towards your goals while still managing your other expenses . Remember to track your progress and adjust your savings amount as your income and financial goals change over time.

Track your progress

Tracking your progress is an essential part of managing your finances . Here are some steps to help you stay on track:

• Track your income and expenses: Keep a record of your income and expenses on a regular basis. This can be done using a budgeting tool or app, a spreadsheet, or even a pen and paper. By tracking your income and expenses, you can see where your money is going and identify areas where you can make adjustments.
• Review your financial goals: Review your financial goals to ensure they are still relevant and aligned with your current situation. If necessary, make any adjustments or modifications to your goals.
• Compare your actual spending to your budget: Compare your actual spending to your budgeted amounts. This will help you identify any discrepancies and make necessary adjustments to stay on track.
• Analyze your progress: Take the time to analyze your progress towards your financial goals. Are you making the desired progress? If not, identify any obstacles or challenges that may be hindering your progress and brainstorm potential solutions.
• Seek professional advice if needed: If you are facing complex financial situations or struggling to make progress towards your goals, consider seeking advice from a financial advisor or professional. They can provide guidance and help you create a personalized plan to achieve your financial objectives.
• Stay motivated and celebrate milestones: Keep yourself motivated by celebrating financial milestones along the way. This can be as simple as rewarding yourself for achieving a savings goal or reaching a certain milestone in paying off debt. Celebrating your progress will help you stay motivated and maintain your financial discipline.

By tracking your progress, you can make right financial decisions, stay on top of your goals, and ensure that you are making the necessary adjustments to achieve financial success.

Conclusion

The different types of budgets in accounting is crucial for making informed financial decisions. Each type of budget serves a unique purpose and provides valuable information to the management. So enabling them to make informed decisions and achieve their financial goals. So by using a combination of budgets, businesses can create a good financial plan and track their progress toward their goals.

[quiz-cat id=”3690″]