Given that your paychecks fluctuate, how do you manage your budget?

I work in shifts. All 12-hour shifts are 4 on, 4 off. I receive small, medium, large, medium, small, medium, large, etc. in my paychecks. Because of overtime, double time, holiday pay, and night shift compensation, my paychecks are never the same. Additionally, I’m thinking of switching from a standard to a Roth 401(k), which would affect how my paychecks appear. I would like to know how people who receive varied paychecks manage their finances. Any advice?

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Experiment with several budgeting approaches, such as the 50/30/20 rule (50% for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings) or the envelope system (allocating funds to specific categories). :smiley:

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To manage a fluctuating income, create a budget based on your lowest expected paycheck. Prioritize essential expenses, build an emergency fund, and allocate money to savings when income is higher. Track spending closely to adjust as needed.

I create my weekly budget because I work a tipped job on the side and get paid every week. I set aside money for my weekly “must dos,” which include paying bills and saving money. I then divide up the remaining funds between debt, investments, and leisure. I track this in my budgeting app as well as in my journal to help me recall what’s done. It is essentially a budget in reverse.