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Step 1: Record all monthly income

Start by identifying all income sources: net salary, independent work, rentals, subsidies. Consider the lowest income from the last 3 months to have a safety margin. If you have variable income, calculate the monthly average of the last 6 months and subtract 15% as a safety buffer.

Step 2: Classify expenses into three categories

Fixed expenses: rent, utilities, basic services, insurance, credit installments. These typically represent 40-50% of the budget.

Variable expenses: food, transport, health. They fluctuate but are necessary. They represent 30-35% of the budget.

Adjustable expenses: entertainment, subscriptions, outings. They're the first line of adjustment in the face of economic changes. They shouldn't exceed 15-20% of the budget.

Step 3: Review prices monthly

With inflation of 5-8% monthly, prices change constantly. Set a fixed date each month to review your main expense categories. Use price comparison apps or manually record the costs of your basic basket. Adjust variable items according to the real inflation you experience, not the official one.

Step 4: Prioritize an emergency fund

Allocate at least 10% of your income to building a fund equivalent to 3-6 months of expenses. Keep it in liquid instruments: remunerated peso account with CER adjustment, quickly accessible MEP dollar, or a combination of both. This fund protects you from unexpected expenses without resorting to expensive debt.

Step 5: Negotiate salary adjustments

If you're an employee, request salary adjustments based on real inflation every 3-4 months. Present concrete INDEC data and your personal expense basket. If you're self-employed, update your rates quarterly considering devaluation and increased operating costs. Keep a list of your professional expenses to justify increases.

Practical example

Typical family of 3 people with monthly income of $800,000:

• Fixed expenses (rent, services): $360,000 (45%)
• Food: $240,000 (30%)
• Transport: $80,000 (10%)
• Savings: $80,000 (10%)
• Other expenses: $40,000 (5%)

If monthly inflation is 6%, the following month the food budget should adjust to $254,400. To compensate, look to reduce "other expenses" or increase income.

Plan purchases with detailed lists

Make a weekly shopping list classified by categories: pantry, fresh produce, cleaning, hygiene. Estimate quantities based on actual consumption from recent weeks. Shopping without a list increases spending by 23% according to consumer behavior studies. Include approximate prices to have a mental budget before arriving at the store.

Compare price per unit, not per package

Argentine supermarkets show total price, but the real value is in the price per kilo, liter or unit. Carry a calculator or use your phone's. Example: 900ml oil at $2,500 vs. 1.5L at $3,800. The first costs $2.78/ml, the second $2.53/ml. The larger package is 9% more economical.

Avoid impulse purchases during promotions

Offers like "3 for 2" or "70% off second unit" are only convenient if you were going to buy that product. Ask yourself: do I need it now? Will I consume it before expiration? Do I have storage space? A product "on sale" that you don't use is 100% waste. Note the regular price of your usual products to detect real discounts.

Calculate real costs including transport

If a wholesaler offers 15% lower prices but is 20km away, consider: fuel ($400/liter, 10km/L = $800 round trip), time (2 hours = opportunity cost), parking. If you buy for $20,000, the $3,000 savings reduces to $2,200 net. Is it worth it? Depends on your situation.

Comparison between sales channels

Chain supermarkets: medium-high prices, wide variety, card promotions, extended hours.

Wholesalers: 10-20% lower prices in volume, less variety, require minimum purchase.

Local markets: fruits and vegetables 25-35% cheaper, fresher products, negotiable cash prices.

Neighborhood stores: 5-15% higher prices, proximity convenience, informal credit.

Monthly shopping strategy

Week 1: large purchase at wholesaler of non-perishables (pantry, cleaning). Weeks 2-4: weekly purchases of fresh produce at local market. Emergency purchases at neighborhood store (maximum 2-3 products). This strategy reduces monthly spending by 12-18% compared to daily supermarket purchases.

Useful apps and tools

Use online price comparators for specific products. Record your purchases in a simple spreadsheet to identify spending patterns. Take advantage of loyalty programs but don't buy just to accumulate points. The best promotion is not buying what you don't need.

Before investing: the emergency fund

Don't invest money you might need in the next 6 months. First build an emergency fund equivalent to 3-6 months of expenses in instruments with immediate liquidity: remunerated account, 30-day fixed term, or dollar bills. This fund prevents you from selling investments at a loss in case of emergencies.

Peso accounts with inflation adjustment

UVA fixed term: capital adjusted by inflation (UVA) plus additional rate of 1-3% annually. Minimum 90 days. Ideal for medium-term savings. Real return: 1-3% annually above inflation.

CER mutual funds: invest in CER-adjusted bonds (inflation). Liquidity in 24-48hrs. Management fee 1-2% annually. Expected return: inflation + 0-2%.

CER bonds: inflation-adjusted government securities. Require brokerage account. Greater complexity but no management fees. Return: inflation + 2-5% depending on term.

Foreign currency instruments

MEP dollar: legal dollar purchase through securities market. Quote 5-15% above official. No monthly limit. Requires brokerage account. Ideal for dollar savings without restrictions.

USD Corporate Bonds: corporate bonds that pay in dollars. Yield 5-9% annually in USD. Moderate risk (depends on issuing company). Recommended minimum: USD 1,000.

USD mutual funds: automatic diversification in dollar bonds. Liquidity in 48hrs. Fee 1.5-3% annually. For small amounts (from USD 100).

Considerations on risk and liquidity

Low risk: traditional fixed term, money market funds, short CER bonds (less than 2 years). Return: inflation ± 2%.

Moderate risk: long CER bonds, corporate bonds, balanced funds. Expected return: inflation + 3-7%.

Higher risk: local stocks, Cedears, equity funds. High volatility. Only for terms longer than 3 years. Potential return: 10-20% annually in USD (with possible losses).

Basic diversification by capital

Up to $500,000: 70% UVA fixed term, 30% money market fund. Priority: liquidity and security.

$500,000 - $2,000,000: 40% UVA fixed term, 30% CER bonds, 20% MEP dollar, 10% money market fund.

Over $2,000,000: 30% CER bonds, 30% USD instruments, 20% stocks/Cedears, 20% liquidity. Consult financial advisor.

Basic costs and taxes

Fixed term: no cost, earnings withholding if it exceeds non-taxable minimum. Bonds: buy/sell commission 0.5-1%, debit and credit tax 0.6%. Mutual funds: management fee 1-3% annually. Consult with an accountant about your particular situation to optimize tax burden.

Final recommendation

Start simple: emergency fund + UVA fixed term. As you learn and your capital grows, diversify gradually. Don't invest in what you don't understand. Financial education is your best investment.