The first salary
Maryam graduated at 23 and started as an accountant on 600 rials a month. In her first month the salary was gone before the month ended, and she had no idea where it went.
Budgeting: where does the money go?
- Write down every expense for a month. Most people are surprised by small, repeated spending.
- Split income into essentials, wants and saving. A common guide is 50% / 30% / 20% — adjust it to your situation.
- "Pay yourself first": move your saving on payday, not at the end of the month.
Example: On 600: essentials 300, wants 180, saving 120. If that is hard, start at 10% (60 rials) and raise it over time.