Create an annual pro forma post-graduation budget in Excel using the attached “Sample Budget” spreadsheet. Estimate the income that you will earn from your job one year after graduation, and show taxes subtracted to get your estimated take-home pay. List various savings categories. Show 10 or more expense categories (e.g., rent, student loan payments, cell phone, car payment, insurance, food, utilities). Provide both a monthly and a yearly view. Make sure all of your dollars have a purpose and that you show whether there is a surplus or a deficit after all areas are considered and applied.
Part 2: Evaluate Budget
Evaluate your future budget, covering the topics below in a Word document (250-500 words).
Will I be living within my means? Does my income cover my expenses? Do I have enough income to pay my bills?
Is my budget realistic? How will I be able to tell if it is? What would be something that could hinder my plans? What could be done to overcome that obstacle?
Will I be financially independent from my family?
Will I have an emergency fund?
Will I be saving enough for retirement in my budget/planning?
Will I have enough to start giving financially to others?
Part 3: Reflect on Future Considerations
Following your written budget evaluation, include with your Word document a separate reflection of 200-300 words responding to the following questions:
How will you save for your future? What types of investments, investment vehicles, or investment products or services could help you reach your goals? How will you/do you research investment opportunities?
In the future, how will you manage your credit? How will you determine when/how to borrow?
The Bible says in Luke 12:48 that “to whom much is given, much will be required.” From a Christian worldview perspective, what is the importance of incorporating charitable giving in your personal budget and how might you accomplish that?
Submit your budget in Excel along with the evaluation of your budget and reflection of it in Word.
