[jeffrey]

When you have a fluctuating income it puts even more stress into the calculation when trying to budget.

The first step is to still find out what the current outflow of money is. That is, what is the minimum amount of money you need to make each month.

Once this amount has been established, you need to look at what your earnings over time. Since your earnings fluctuate, you need to make sure that they average over time to at least the minimum amount you need.

If your income is sometimes less and sometimes more, but overall averages above the minimum amount you need, then you need to learn to set aside some of the money when you earn a big month for the times when you have a month that is less than expected. Creating a separate savings account that is not easily accessed would be the best way to do this.

Fluctuating income from month to month takes more time and discipline that a straight monthly salary, but it can be worked out with effort.