A budget is a quantitative expression of a plan for a defined period of time. It may include planned sales, volumes, and revenues, resource quantities, costs and expenses, assets, liabilities and cash flows. ( How to make a budget ) figure out your after-tax income. If you get a regular pay-check, choose a budgeting plan. Any budget must cover your needs. ( How to balance it ) Establish your budget before creating a budget review your financial history, separate the necessities from the wants, track your expenses .