Mental budgeting and the management of household finance

Mental budgeting and financial management were investigated in a large sample of the Dutch population. Mental budgeting was quite common, and was explained from general education, having saving goals, financial knowledge, time orientation, and financial situation. Also, mental budgeting, in addition to effects of financial situation, time orientation and financial knowledge, was positively associated with having an overview of expenses and current accounts, and household financial management.

► A 4-item mental budgeting scale was tested in a large scale survey. ► Mental budgeting was correlated with a number of background variables. ► Mental budgeting was positively related to quality of financial management. ► Mental budgeting was positively related to having an overview of expenses.