Budgeting module

New Budgeting module - audio version (13.7 MB, Length: 24:02)

In this module:

When completing the modules:

  • sit in a quiet place;
  • take your time, move at your own pace and take regular breaks; and,
  • write down any questions you may have and bring them with you to your in person counselling session.

Although the modules are presented in a certain order, it is important to remember that every situation is different, so your BIA Insolvency Counsellor can adjust your counselling to suit your needs. This may include changing the order of the online modules.

Budgeting overview

The insolvency counselling process

An image of the insolvency counselling process
Description

The diagram shows a blonde woman with a pink shirt going along a dotted yellow path which represents the standard insolvency counselling curriculum process.

The diagram has a green background which resembles grass. The top of the diagram background is a light blue to resemble the sky. The words “Insolvency Counselling Process” are bolded and navy blue. These words appear in the centre of the light blue portion of the background.

At the top left-hand corner of the image, a grey cloud hovers over the woman’s head while she crouches at the start of the dotted yellow line. Underneath the image of the woman it says ‘Initial Insolvency Filing’ in white. A yellow arrow at the start of the dotted yellow line in front of the woman indicates the way forward. The dotted yellow line continues straight and then swerves down and to the left where it meets a circular image outlined in white. This circle is to the far left of the screen, in the middle. Within the circle there is an image of the blonde woman sitting in a chair across a desk from a light brown haired man in a blue shirt and a black tie. The man is sitting in a chair and has a smile on his face. The words ‘Meet with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee’ wrap around the top outside edge of the circle and are displayed in white.

The dotted yellow path continues, extending from the bottom left of the circular image, looping downwards and then inclining up to the right where it meets another circular image. This section of the dotted yellow path is labeled ‘Budgeting Stage’ in all capitals and is bolded in yellow. The second circular image is larger than the rest of the circular images on the screen and this larger circle is outlined with a bright yellow border. This is to emphasize the importance of this circle. This circle is positioned slightly below and to the right of the previous circle. Within the circle there is an image of the blonde woman and a dark haired man with a black shirt sitting on a blue couch. Together they are looking at the laptop in front of the woman. The words ‘First Online Session’ are displayed in white and are wrapped around the top outside edge of the circle. The dotted yellow path extends from the top outside right of the circle and swerves upwards. The dotted yellow path connects to a third circular image outlined with a white border. This circle is slightly to the right and above the previous circle. Within the circle there is an image of the blonde woman sitting in a chair at a desk across from a dark haired woman in a black blazer and red shirt. The dark haired woman is standing up and pointing to the word ‘Budget’ written at the top of a white board. The word ‘Budget’ is written in capitals. On the white board there is an image of a pie chart below the word ‘Budget’. The words ‘First In-Person Session with Counsellor’ are displayed in white and the words are wrapped around the bottom outside of the circle.

There is a dotted yellow path extending from the right side of the circle and the path extends to the right and loops upward and then back down. The dotted yellow path connects to another circular image outlined with a white border. This fourth circular image is to the right and slightly below the previous one. Within the circle there is an image of the blonde woman sitting at a kitchen table on her tablet. Across the table from her is the dark haired man with a black shirt and he is peeling potatoes. The words ‘Second Online Session’ are displayed in white and the words wrap around the top outside of the circle.

There is a dotted yellow path extending from the bottom of the circle. The dotted yellow path goes downwards and loops around to the right. Under the dotted yellow path the words ‘Planning for the Future Stage’ are displayed in all capitals and bolded in yellow at the bottom right of the graphic. The path connects to the left side of another circular image outlined in a white border. This image is below and slightly to the right of the previous circle. Within the circle there is an image of the blonde woman sitting in a chair at a desk across from the dark haired woman in a black blazer and a red shirt. The dark haired woman is standing up and pointing to a white board with the word ‘Goals’ written at the top of a white board. The word ‘Goals’ is written in all capitals. On the white board there is an image of a list below the word ‘Goals’ and there are 2 checkmarks next to 2 of the items on the list. The words ‘Second In-Person Session with Counsellor’ are displayed in white and are wrapped around the bottom outside of the circle.

The dotted yellow path extends from the top of the circle and extends upward and loops to the right and then slightly to the left until it reaches the top right side of the green grass background. The word “Success!” is displayed along the curve of the dotted yellow path. There is an image of the blonde haired woman standing up tall at the end of the path with her arms up in the air and a big smile on her face. On top of the image of the woman there is half of a sun appearing from behind the green grass background.

Proactive decisions involve taking control and acting in advance, rather than reacting to a particular financial situation.

Budgeting is the first step to your fresh financial start.

Budgeting allows you to make proactive decisions about your money and puts you in control of your finances.

Budgeting allows you to make deliberate decisions about your money and ensure your financial stability.

Deliberate decisions involve taking your time to carefully think about your choices.

Budgeting will help ensure that you have enough money for essentials, as well as the things that are important to you.

Budgeting is a process which will empower you!


The objective of the budgeting module is to provide you with useful information and tools to create and maintain a budget. By the end of this module, you will have developed your own budget. You will bring this budget to your in-person counselling session. During your in-person counselling you and your counsellor will work together to make sure your budget will help you be successful in the future.

This module will provide you with tips to make budgeting a regular part of your routine.

image of debtor with counsellor

If you have questions, write them down and bring them to your in-person counselling session.