What is the initial step in creating a budget for debt repayment?

The initial step in creating a budget for debt repayment is assessing total income and current expenses. This process involves determining how much money is coming in and what obligations you have regarding spending. By evaluating your income, you establish the base amount available to allocate towards debt repayment. Understanding your current expenses allows you to see where your money is going and identify potential areas for cuts. This foundational analysis is critical, as it informs all subsequent steps in the budgeting process, such as deciding how much money can be redirected toward debt repayment and which debts should be prioritized. Without this comprehensive assessment, any attempts to create a budget may lack direction or effectiveness.