Which of the following is a benefit of using a budget?

Using a budget is fundamentally about managing your finances effectively, and one of the most significant benefits is that it helps track expenses and savings goals. A budget allows individuals to see where their money is going, assess their spending habits, and determine whether they are living within their means. By tracking these factors, individuals can identify areas where they might be overspending and modify their habits to better align with their financial goals.

Additionally, setting specific savings goals within a budget can motivate individuals to save more efficiently, as they have a clear plan to work towards. This visibility and control over finances can lead to improved savings over time, as individuals are more aware of their financial situation.

While the other choices outline attractive outcomes related to finance, they do not represent the direct function of budgeting. For instance, while budgeting can contribute to increased savings, it does not guarantee it. Similarly, a budget is a tool for managing debt but does not eliminate it entirely, nor does it inherently ensure high investment returns. Therefore, understanding how a budget helps in tracking expenses and establishing savings goals is critical to utilizing it effectively in personal financial management.