Start with your financial goals and fund them first. Build the rest of your budget around what remains. Your goals are the first line item, not an afterthought.
Goal-oriented people who want their priorities built into their budget from the start.
Define your financial goals with specific monthly amounts (e.g., $200/mo to retirement, $100/mo to emergency fund).
Subtract all goals from your income first.
Pay fixed bills from what remains.
Whatever is left after goals and bills becomes your flexible spending budget.