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What are the Pros and Cons of a Fixed Budget?
A fixed budget is a financial document that remains the same throughout a financial period, regardless of any unexpected and spontaneous events that may transpire. Flexible or variable budgets, on the other hand, change from time to time based on changes in expenditures. The benefits to a fixed budget include greater stability, better savings, and easier future planning, while the disadvantages include reduced flexibility.
Possibly the biggest drawback to fixed budgeting is that it does not allow an individual or business owner to adjust the budget based on a change in situation, such as the loss of a job or reduced profits. This makes it especially hard to react to the type of unexpected changes that typically occur in the business world, as well as life in general. For this reason, most large conglomerates prefer flexible budgeting to fixed budgeting.
Small business owners typically prefer fixed budgets, however, because they provide a much greater level of stability and spending control. Fixed budgeting entails establishing a maximum spending limit, meaning that the individual or business owner may not spend past this point. This is beneficial because it prevents one from overspending on a whim. If a person were to suddenly receive a bonus, for instance, he wouldn’t be allowed to spend any of it if he already went over his spending limit.
Another benefit to a fixed budget is that it would force a person to direct that bonus into his savings account. With a flexible budget, he could decide to allocate it toward a spontaneous purchase, such as a high-definition television or laptop. He must in fact wait until the next fiscal year, at which point he can adjust the budget by increasing the allowed amount of discretionary spending.
The largest benefit to the more controlled spending and improved savings that result from a fixed budget is greater future planning. That extra money put away into savings could become extremely important if an accident were to occur. Or the person may marry, have a child, and suddenly realize that he and his wife need to establish a college fund.
A fixed budget is an optimal choice for small business owners and individuals. It provides a level of stability and control that cannot be found in a flexible budget. The problem with fixed budgeting, though, is that it doesn’t function well in the business world, where the market is constantly fluctuating.
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![A fixed budget establishes a line that a company or business can not surpass, making it easier to save money or avoid spending beyond necessity.]()
By: benjaminnolteA fixed budget establishes a line that a company or business can not surpass, making it easier to save money or avoid spending beyond necessity. -
![A fixed budget does not allow any room for extra, unforeseeable monetary needs.]()
By: Andy DeanA fixed budget does not allow any room for extra, unforeseeable monetary needs. -
![A fixed budget allows for future planning.]()
By: earlytwentiesA fixed budget allows for future planning. -
![Someone on a fixed budget might be tempted to use credit cards with deferred payments for extra purchases.]()
By: Sergey NivensSomeone on a fixed budget might be tempted to use credit cards with deferred payments for extra purchases. -
![Someone on a fixed budget may have to eliminate social outings with friends.]()
By: Minerva StudioSomeone on a fixed budget may have to eliminate social outings with friends. -
![Couples on a fixed budget rarely can afford bringing a child into the world.]()
By: JackFCouples on a fixed budget rarely can afford bringing a child into the world.
Discussion Comments
There are pros and cons of both fixed budgets (sometimes called "static budgets") and flexible budgets. Which budget is best for a business or individual depends on the circumstances and nature of that business. And it doesn't always have to be an either or decision. Many businesses use both fixed and flexible budgets to benefit from both.
For individuals, of course, it's slightly different. I think I agree with the article that a static/fixed budget is best for individuals, especially in terms of savings.
@fBoyle-- You have a point but that only works when one is fairly certain about what the costs and revenues are going to be. If for example, one has a business with highly varying volume, costs and revenue, a fixed budget becomes impractical.
The other advantage to a fixed budget is that it can be set up even when one does not have any numbers on hand about costs and profits. With a flexible budget, it's necessary to way for the numbers because this is not a budget that can be made with a prediction. On the other hand, a fixed budget with the predicted costs and profits can be prepared before the term is over. This is also a great way to make comparisons between expected costs and real costs when the next term begins.
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