How do I budget when my income changes every month from commissions or tips?

With variable income, budget on your income floor, not your best month. Track the last 6 to 12 months of earnings and identify your lowest realistic monthly take-home; build your baseline budget around that number so essentials are always covered. In strong months, funnel the surplus into a buffer account that smooths out lean months, effectively paying yourself a steady salary. Once the buffer holds one to two months of expenses, direct additional surplus to savings, debt, and investing. Prioritize needs in strict order: housing, food, utilities, minimum debt, then wants. This approach turns unpredictable income into a predictable spending plan and stops feast-or-famine cycles from wrecking your progress. Map your floor and surplus in the Budget Analyzer at wealthserene.com/tools/budget-analyzer.