Budgeting: meaning, definitions and examples

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budgeting

 

[ˈbʌdʒɪtɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

financial planning

Budgeting is the process of creating a plan to spend your money. It involves setting financial goals, outlining expenses, and tracking income to ensure you are not spending more than you earn.

Synonyms

expense tracking, financial planning, money management.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
budgeting

This is best used when talking about the practice of creating a plan on how to spend your money wisely. It involves setting limits on spending in various categories such as food, entertainment, and savings.

  • We need to start budgeting to save for our vacation.
  • She took a course on budgeting to better manage her finances.
financial planning

This term fits well in more formal or professional contexts. It encompasses a broader scope, including budgeting, saving, investing, and preparing for future financial needs.

  • Financial planning is crucial for a secure retirement.
  • She hired a professional for financial planning advice.
money management

This is a general term that refers to the overall process of handling your finances. It includes budgeting, saving, investing, and even paying off debts.

  • Good money management can prevent financial crises.
  • He gave a lecture on the basics of money management.
expense tracking

This is suitable when discussing the process of recording and monitoring all your expenditures to see where your money goes. It's a detailed and continuous activity.

  • He uses an app for expense tracking to ensure he doesn’t overspend.
  • Expense tracking helps you understand your spending habits.

Examples of usage

  • Budgeting helps you prioritize your spending and save for future goals.
  • By budgeting effectively, you can avoid unnecessary debt and achieve financial stability.
  • Budgeting allows you to see where your money is going and make adjustments to reach your financial objectives.
Context #2 | Verb

financial management

To budget means to allocate your money in a planned way. It involves setting limits on spending for different categories and following a financial plan to achieve your goals.

Synonyms

allocate, manage, plan.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
budgeting

Referring to the process of creating a plan to spend money over a certain period. Often used in personal finance or business finance contexts.

  • We are budgeting for our summer vacation.
  • Effective budgeting helped the company save money during the recession.
allocate

Referring to the distribution of resources or duties for a specific purpose. Commonly used in business, project management, or resource management.

  • The manager will allocate tasks to the team members.
  • They need to allocate more funds to the research department.
plan

Referring to the process of making a detailed proposal for achieving a specific goal. It is a broad term used in almost any context, from personal projects to large business operations.

  • We need to plan our weekend activities.
  • The company plans to expand its operations next year.
manage

Referring to the act of directing or handling duties, resources, or a project. Often used in general contexts, business, and personal responsibilities.

  • She needs to manage her time better.
  • The new supervisor will manage the sales team.

Examples of usage

  • I need to budget my monthly income to cover all my expenses.
  • She budgets carefully to ensure she can save money for her dream vacation.
  • Budgeting for unexpected expenses is an important financial skill.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word comes from the Old French term 'bougette,' meaning a small bag, which referred to a pouch for carrying money.
  • Budgeting practices can be traced back to ancient civilizations like the Mesopotamians, who kept detailed records of their goods and resources.
  • In the medieval period, budgets were primarily used by governments to plan expenditures for wars and public works.

Psychology

  • Studies show that having a budgeting plan can significantly reduce financial stress and enhance overall well-being.
  • Creating a budget can reinforce self-control and help individuals make better financial choices over time.
  • People who stick to budgeting often report feeling more in control of their finances and less anxious about money.

Finance Education

  • Teaching children about budgeting from a young age can set them up for better financial management as adults.
  • Many schools now incorporate financial literacy classes that include budgeting as a key component of the curriculum.
  • Various apps and tools are available today to help people track their budgeting efforts more efficiently.

Pop Culture

  • Popular television shows and movies often depict characters facing financial challenges, and budgeting plays a key role in their stories.
  • Documentaries about personal finance have gained popularity, highlighting the importance of budgeting in achieving financial freedom.
  • Social media influencers often share their own budgeting tips and tricks, making financial planning more relatable to younger audiences.

Economics

  • Government budgeting is crucial for economic stability, affecting everything from public services to national infrastructure projects.
  • Budgets at both the corporate and government levels can significantly impact the overall economy, influencing job creation and investment.
  • The balance between income and expenditures in a budget can affect inflation rates and economic growth.

Translations

Translations of the word "budgeting" in other languages:

🇵🇹 orçamento

🇮🇳 बजटिंग

🇩🇪 Budgetierung

🇮🇩 penganggaran

🇺🇦 бюджетування

🇵🇱 budżetowanie

🇯🇵 予算編成

🇫🇷 budgétisation

🇪🇸 presupuestación

🇹🇷 bütçeleme

🇰🇷 예산 편성

🇸🇦 إعداد الميزانية

🇨🇿 rozpočtování

🇸🇰 rozpočtovanie

🇨🇳 预算编制

🇸🇮 proračunavanje

🇮🇸 fjárhagsáætlun

🇰🇿 бюджеттеу

🇬🇪 ბიუჯეტირება

🇦🇿 büdcə tərtibi

🇲🇽 presupuestación

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,318, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.