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HH. Classify expenses as fixed or variable

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What are expenses?

Expenses are the costs of goods and services people pay for in their daily lives. Understanding expenses helps us make smart financial decisions.

Examples of expenses:
  • Paying rent or mortgage
  • Buying groceries
  • Paying for electricity or water
  • Purchasing movie tickets
Note

Expenses are the money that goes out. Learning how to sort them helps us manage a budget wisely.

What are fixed expenses?

Fixed expenses are costs that stay the same amount each month. They do not change often, even if you use more or less of something.

How to identify fixed expenses:
  • Ask: Do I pay the same amount every month?
  • Examples: rent, car payment, internet bill
Note

Fixed expenses are predictable. They make it easier to plan a budget because the amount does not change.

What are variable expenses?

Variable expenses are costs that can change from month to month. The amount depends on how much you use or choose to spend.

How to identify variable expenses:
  • Ask: Does this cost change depending on what I do?
  • Examples: groceries, gas, electricity, entertainment
Note

Variable expenses can go up or down. Paying attention to them helps control spending and save money.

Comparing fixed and variable expenses

Both fixed and variable expenses are important parts of a budget. Learning the difference helps us plan for needs and wants.

Examples in a budget:
  • Fixed: Rent is always $1,000 per month.
  • Variable: Grocery costs may be $250 one month and $300 the next.
Note

A good budget includes both types of expenses. Being aware of variable expenses gives more flexibility for saving and planning.