Which types of income should be included when listing income on a budget?

When preparing a budget, it is essential to include all sources of income to provide a comprehensive view of financial resources available for managing expenses. Including alimony and tax refunds is crucial because these represent actual incoming funds that can impact a person's financial situation significantly.

Alimony, for instance, can provide a reliable and ongoing source of financial support, especially for individuals who may not have substantial employment income. Tax refunds, while potentially a yearly occurrence, can offer a significant inflow of funds that should be accounted for in the financial planning process, as they can be allocated toward savings, debt repayment, or discretionary spending.

In contrast, while employment income and bonuses are vital sources of income, they do not encapsulate the entire financial picture. Similarly, rental income, interest, and government benefits are important but excluding other forms such as alimony and tax refunds can lead to an understatement of available financial resources. Therefore, including a broad array of income types ensures a robust and realistic budget.