Drawing up a budget is easy

On one side, list the total of your income:

  • Your employment income
  • Loan and scholarship payments you have received
  • Parental contributions
  • Any other income you may have

On the other side, list the total of your monthly expenses:

  • Household expenses (rent, electricity, phone, Internet supplier, cable, etc.)
  • Food
  • Transportation
  • Clothing, personal and health care
  • Sports and recreation
  • Studies (tuitions fees, books and school supplies)
  • Debt payments (e.g., car loan)

Subtract your total expenses from your total income and you'll see how much money you have available for your projects (emergency fund, savings, RRSPs, etc.).

As a general rule, your debt-to-income ratio should not exceed 35% of your gross income.
How to calculate your debt-equity ratio

Draw up your budget online

To help you draw up your budget and get an accurate picture of your personal finances, Desjardins lends you a hand with:


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