Budget Strategies: Don't Forget Work Expenses

by Miriam Caldwell | More from this Blogger

28 Dec 2006 10:06 PM

One area that is often overlooked in budgeting is that of work expenses. These items can sneak up on you, and may make you wonder where all the money is going. It is important to consider these items as you make up your budget. If you both work, it is even more important to plan for these expenses. It may not be fair to take this money from blow money or allowance categories, since many of these expenses are not by choice. Here are four work expenses categories to consider.

1) Does your office have a monthly fund for birthday parties and gifts that you are expected to contribute to? I have worked at places that asked for a certain amount each year. Others have asked for a certain amount each month. These funds help to buy cake and presents for people throughout the year. These expenses can add up.

2) In some jobs it is expected that you eat out with co-workers or supervisors occasionally. Many times these lunches are casual and you pay for yourself. Often these lunches are not considered deductible, but you need to have them in order to maintain good feelings at the office. You may want to budget for a few of these a month.

3) Office Christmas exchanges and baby showers are other expenses that may crop up as well. You can add these categories to a work expense budget. If you plan ahead, you can usually purchase these items relatively cheaply or go in on gifts together.

4) You may be expected to give to charity on a regular basis. One example is United Way. Another may be a day when you buy a "dress down" pass. These situations offer pressure on you to give. If finances are tight you may resent these events, unless you have planned ahead for them.

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Learn more about Miriam Caldwell

Miriam is a SAHM mom of three children. She has a daughter who is seven, and two sons, four and two. She loves being a parent and spending time with her children.

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