المصروف المتغير هو نوع من المصروفات تتغير قيمته بناءً على مستوى الإنتاج أو النشاط. يتزايد هذا النوع من المصروفات عندما يرتفع حجم الإنتاج أو المبيعات، وينخفض عندما يقل الإنتاج أو المبيعات. من الأمثلة على المصروفات المتغيرة تشمل تكاليف المواد الخام، الأجور الخاصة بالعمل الإضافي، وتكاليف الشحن. على عكس المصروفات الثابتة، التي تبقى ثابتة بغض النظر عن مستوى النشاط، فإن المصروفات المتغيرة ترتبط مباشرة بالتغيرات في حجم الإنتاج.

In this article, we will discuss variable expenses and how to budget for and manage them. We will also talk about the differences between variable and fixed expenses. Understanding how to handle variable expenses can help you manage your finances better and achieve your financial goals.

How do Variable Expenses Work?

A variable expense is a cost that changes and is not fixed. This can relate to utility bills, for example, which can go up or down based on usage. Or it can be like fuel costs for your car, which vary with usage and fuel prices. Regardless of the situation, a variable expense is that cost which does not have a fixed value.

Examples of Variable Expenses

Here are some examples of variable food-related expenses:

• Dining out: This can encompass anything from fast food meals to going out for a nice dinner. If you dine out frequently, it can really add up.
• Groceries: This is what you need to buy for cooking at home. Grocery costs can vary depending on where you shop and what you like to eat.
• Coffee: Whether you buy your coffee every day or just on weekends, it’s a variable cost that can accumulate over time.

There are ways to manage variable food expenses by making decisions that help reduce your food budget.

How to Budget for Variable Expenses

One of the key elements to achieving financial stability is learning how to budget for variable expenses. Since they are unpredictable, variable expenses can arise when we least expect them, disrupting our monthly spending plans. Due to their volatility, it can be challenging to set a budget for variable expenses. This is where calculating the average cost of variable expenses can help in determining the budget.

For example, suppose you spent $400 on groceries in January, $500 in February, and $450 in March. The average is $450 per month. Now that you have this number, you can set a budget of $450 each month for groceries, even though it’s a variable expense. If you spend less than the average in one month, leave the amount you didn’t spend aside so that it’s available if you exceed your budget in the next month.

Most budgeting apps calculate how much money you spend on average each month in each category of your budget. So, if you are already using a budgeting app, you may not need to do this calculation yourself!

There are other methods for budgeting unreliable variable expenses, including the zero-based budgeting method, where every dollar of your income is assigned to expenses and savings. You can also use the “pay yourself first” budgeting approach, where you allocate money first to fund your goals and then work backward to determine how much you have left for expenses. Alternatively, you can rely on the traditional envelope method, creating different envelopes for income and expenses.

Variable Expense vs. Fixed Expense

There are two types of expenses: variable and fixed. What is the difference between them?

• Variable Expenses: Change depending on the amount of your purchases, such as groceries or fuel.
• Fixed Expenses: Remain consistent each month, such as rent or a car payment.

It is important to understand how your expenses relate to fixed and variable costs so you can accurately set your financial budget. It is always easier to plan for fixed expenses because they do not change like variable expenses do. This means you can easily plan for them by saving money each month to cover the cost.

Variable expenses are more challenging to plan for because they can change unexpectedly. This requires being mindful of your spending so you can stay within your budget.

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A list of some frequently asked questions about variable expenses:

1. What are variable expenses?
   Variable expenses are costs that can change from month to month. This may include utility bills, which can be higher in the summer months when air conditioning is used more, or food bills, which may be lower if you don’t eat out at restaurants often or if you buy discounted items on sale.
2. What is an example of a variable expense?
   Variable expenses are things you have to pay for that may change from month to month. Some examples include fuel, parking fees, and tolls. You also have variable expenses related to food such as groceries, dining out, utility bills, or any other bills that depend on usage, and household items like toiletries and cleaning supplies. These are some examples of variable costs in your budget.
3. What is an example of a fixed expense?
   Fixed expenses are predictable because they remain the same each month. This may include rent or a mortgage payment, a car payment, gym membership fees, or subscription services. Cell phone bills (if you have an unlimited plan), internet bills, medical care fees, and insurance are other examples of fixed expenses.

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Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/what-is-a-variable-expense-6747975