How do you budget?

[keelyd]

So now that I am facing single-parenthood and life on a single income, I'm trying to figure out my budget.  I am likely going to have sole physical custody, and currently STBXH does not have a job.  For those of you who receive child support, do you budget factoring in that money or without it and consider the support kind of "bonus" or savings money?
Also, if you use a budgeting app or website, which do you use and what do you like about it?
TIA

[becwheat]

I tried to never rely on CS money as a fixed part of my budget. When it comes in it goes to bills that need paid down (like a CC or future DC bill) or I take LO shopping for the clothing/shoes she may need for the next season.

IF I do not have any bills or clothing that NEED paid I will save a little for her/us in an account. That way if something comes up (growth spurt, field trip, car problems) it is there to help us.

[20thirteen]

I used to use the Mint app. I mean, it's still on my phone, I just haven't checked it since last year. It shows you how much you usually spend on certain things and gives you advice on saving and alerts you if there is unusual spending in your account. I like it. But things happened so I'm afraid to look at it now. LOL. Although, maybe I should... Anyway, I chose not to pursue child support, however, if I had, I would not include that in your budget. I see a lot of people who are having issues getting their child support and there's just no guarantee that it'll come in every single month or be the full amount... all sorts of scenarios. I would probably do what becwheat did if I had pursued child support.