Optimal Finance Daily · Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Kumiko provides a six-step process for creating a budget calendar, starting with listing all monthly expenses and income by due date or payday. She advises overestimating for variable payments and using credit card statements to ensure all expenses, even small ones, are accounted for.
“First, you're going to, you guessed it, make a list. Write down all your monthly expenses and organize them by their due date or payday.”
“For the varying payments, always overestimate. For example, if your utility bill runs about $133, write down and budget for $140.”
“Double check your list by going over the last three to six months of your credit card and bank statements to be sure you aren't missing anything.”