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Published on 20 Aug 2025 by Jade O.
Managing finances is an essential skill for domestic helpers in Singapore who want to save for the future, support their families, and maintain financial independence. Creating a monthly budget might seem challenging at first, but with the right approach, it can become a simple and effective tool to control spending and reach your financial goals.
Step 1: Calculate your total income
Start by noting all sources of your monthly income, including:
- Salary from your employer
- Any tips or bonuses
- Income from side hustles (if permitted)
Knowing exactly how much money you have coming in each month is the foundation of your budget.
Step 2: Track your expenses
Next, list all your regular expenses. These may include:
- Rent and utilities (if you contribute to housing)
- Food and groceries
- Transport and commuting costs
- Communication costs (phone, internet)
- Personal care and leisure
Tracking your spending for a month or two will help you see where your money goes and where you can make adjustments.
Step 3: Set your financial goals
Decide what you want to achieve with your budget. Goals might include:
- Sending money home to support your family
- Saving for education, a house, or a small business
- Building an emergency fund for unexpected expenses
Having clear goals will help you prioritise your spending and stay motivated.
Step 4: Categorise and limit your spending
Divide your expenses into categories:
- Needs: Rent, food, transport
- Wants: Dining out, entertainment, shopping
- Savings: Emergency fund, long-term goals
Try using the 50/30/20 rule as a guide: 50% for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings. Adjust the percentages based on your personal circumstances
Step 5: Use tools to make budgeting easy
Several tools can help you track your budget and monitor spending:
- Mobile apps like Wallet, Mint, or Money Lover
- Simple spreadsheets to log income and expenses
- Digital notes or budgeting journals
Consistency is key, check your budget weekly and adjust as needed.
Step 6: Review and adjust monthly
At the end of each month:
- Review your spending patterns
- Identify areas where you can save more
- Adjust your budget to reflect any changes in income or expenses
This ensures your budget stays realistic and aligned with your financial goals.
Final tips for domestic helpers
- Be disciplined but flexible — unexpected expenses happen, and that’s okay.
- Avoid unnecessary debt — prioritise saving first.
- Celebrate small wins — even saving a little each month builds confidence and momentum.
With a monthly budget, you can take control of your finances, support your family back home, and work towards long-term financial independence.
You might be interested in:
How to Apply as a Helper Online
Top 5 Qualities Indian Helpers Bring to Your Home
Meet Priya: A Helper Who Brings Heart to Her Household
What to Do If You're Struggling to Understand Instructions as a Helper in Singapore
How to Handle Different Parenting Styles as a Nanny or Helper
Managing finances is an essential skill for domestic helpers in Singapore who want to save for the future, support their families, and maintain financial independence. Creating a monthly budget might seem challenging at first, but with the right approach, it can become a simple and effective tool to control spending and reach your financial goals.
Step 1: Calculate your total income
Start by noting all sources of your monthly income, including:
- Salary from your employer
- Any tips or bonuses
- Income from side hustles (if permitted)
Knowing exactly how much money you have coming in each month is the foundation of your budget.
Step 2: Track your expenses
Next, list all your regular expenses. These may include:
- Rent and utilities (if you contribute to housing)
- Food and groceries
- Transport and commuting costs
- Communication costs (phone, internet)
- Personal care and leisure
Tracking your spending for a month or two will help you see where your money goes and where you can make adjustments.
Step 3: Set your financial goals
Decide what you want to achieve with your budget. Goals might include:
- Sending money home to support your family
- Saving for education, a house, or a small business
- Building an emergency fund for unexpected expenses
Having clear goals will help you prioritise your spending and stay motivated.
Step 4: Categorise and limit your spending
Divide your expenses into categories:
- Needs: Rent, food, transport
- Wants: Dining out, entertainment, shopping
- Savings: Emergency fund, long-term goals
Try using the 50/30/20 rule as a guide: 50% for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings. Adjust the percentages based on your personal circumstances
Step 5: Use tools to make budgeting easy
Several tools can help you track your budget and monitor spending:
- Mobile apps like Wallet, Mint, or Money Lover
- Simple spreadsheets to log income and expenses
- Digital notes or budgeting journals
Consistency is key, check your budget weekly and adjust as needed.
Step 6: Review and adjust monthly
At the end of each month:
- Review your spending patterns
- Identify areas where you can save more
- Adjust your budget to reflect any changes in income or expenses
This ensures your budget stays realistic and aligned with your financial goals.
Final tips for domestic helpers
- Be disciplined but flexible — unexpected expenses happen, and that’s okay.
- Avoid unnecessary debt — prioritise saving first.
- Celebrate small wins — even saving a little each month builds confidence and momentum.
With a monthly budget, you can take control of your finances, support your family back home, and work towards long-term financial independence.
You might be interested in:
How to Apply as a Helper Online
Top 5 Qualities Indian Helpers Bring to Your Home
Meet Priya: A Helper Who Brings Heart to Her Household
What to Do If You're Struggling to Understand Instructions as a Helper in Singapore
How to Handle Different Parenting Styles as a Nanny or Helper