A budget is a plan to monitor monthly spending to ensure you have enough money for fixed expenses and variable expenses. Having a budget is important for several reasons. First, having a budget gives you an idea of how much income is coming in and how many expenses need to be paid off with that money. Having a budget also helps you have an idea of what you can spend on variable expenses such as food and gas and still be able to pay for fixed expense like a cell phone bill and car payment. A budget helps people not to spend too much money on excess things leaving no money for bills that must to be paid. Overall a budget is important to have because it manages your income and expenses and helps you have an idea of how much money you have to spend and still pay your bills.