Which word describes a plan for using your income to pay bills and save for other wants and needs?

• A. Credit
• B. Budget
• C. Expense
• D. Debt

Answer: (B)

A budget is a plan for how you’ll use your money. It helps you decide in advance how much to spend on bills and essentials, and how much to save for future goals, while still having some left for other wants. By writing down how much money you expect to earn and assigning it to categories like housing, groceries, transportation, savings, and little treats, you make sure you can cover what you need and still reach your savings goals. A budget keeps you on track by showing if your spending fits the plan, so you don’t overspend.

Credit isn’t a plan; it’s borrowing money that you promise to pay back later. Debt is money you owe. Expense is the cost of something you buy. None of those describe a plan for managing money the way a budget does.