<human>:  How can I create a budget for my monthly expenses?
<bot>: Creating a budget for your monthly expenses can be a daunting task. Start by starting by listing all of your essential expenses such as rent or mortgage, food, utilities, and transportation costs. Then list your other necessary costs such as debt payments, medical costs, and any other expenses. Once you have listed all of your expenses, subtract this total from your monthly income. This should determine your starting budget. Next, decide on allocation guidelines for how much money you will use for discretionary spending, like entertainment and dining out, and adjust your budget to reflect those guidelines. Finally, review your budget each month to make sure you are staying within the guidelines you have set.