DeepDive

Background, thoughts and insights on huusbook and honest personal finance.

Overview of budget categories, split into fixed costs and variable spending

August 6, 2026

Budget categories: the list you actually need

Twelve categories are enough. Housing & Energy, Groceries & Household, Eating Out, Transport, Insurance, Contracts & Subscriptions, Health & Personal Care, Clothing, Leisure & Culture, Children & Education, Holidays, Other. Add three or four categories for income – and two separate lines for debt repayments and savings, because neither is really spending.

July 9, 2026

Budgeting for families: how we keep track with four kids

When the house finally goes quiet at night and I look at our account balance, I've asked myself the same question for years: where did the money actually go? Six people, a thousand small amounts. This is the honest guide I wish I'd had when we started keeping a family budget.