When you start earning your own money budgeting might not be the first thing on your mind. (Money fight anyone?!)

But tracking your expenses can help you balance having fun with paying bills and tucking away some cash for a rainy day.

So how do you create a budget?

The good news is that you don’t have to!

The Government offers a number of free apps and templates that can help you track your spending.

These include:

• How to Budget. This includes the Moneysmart budget planner which helps you track where your money is going. 
• Track my spend App. This free app enables you to set a weekly spending limit and helps you to stick to it. By logging your expenses, the app will alert you when you are nearing your limit. It’s a good way to take control of how much you are spending.
• Manage your debt. This webpage provides information and support to manage debt.

There are also a range of other free apps and tools to help you budget. Do your homework to find one that’s right for you.

For more information on managing your money visit MoneySmart.