Budgets are an important part of our country as they define the flows of money from and into the economy. As we gear up for Budget 2024, Monika dives into the intricacies of this annual fiscal exercise. In this special episode, she breaks down the union budget, drawing parallels between government and household budgets. Monika sheds light on deficits, their implications, and why not all deficits are created equal.  Find out how government spending shapes the economy and where your tax money goes. Uncover the hidden stories within the budget, from off-budget items to the larger narrative it weaves about India's economic direction, along with the policy signals embedded in the budget speech. Chapters: (00:30 - 03:05) What Exactly Is The Union Budget? (03:05 - 06:32) Not All Deficits Are Bad (06:32 - 08:46) What Does India Spend Its Money On? (08:46 - 12:08) Taxes: How Much We Pay & Where They Go (12:08 - 14:03) Understanding Off Budget Items (14:03 - 17:35) Larger Story Embedded in the Budget If you have financial questions that you’d like answers for, please email us at [email protected]  https://www.monikahalan.com/a-growth-push-and-a-nudge-to-salaried-class/ https://www.monikahalan.com/budget-2022-definitely-not-an-election-pitch/ https://www.monikahalan.com/a-new-confidence-about-india-reflects-in-a-bold-budget-2021/ https://www.monikahalan.com/the-budget-is-a-work-in-progress-and-to-look-for-a-game-changing-story-is-perhaps-futile/ You can find Monika on her social media @monikahalan.  Twitter @MonikaHalan Instagram @MonikaHalan Facebook @MonikaHalan This is a Maed In India Production; check us out at www.maedinindia.in Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome Head of Audio: Kartik Kulkarni Producer: Meghna Gulati  Sound Editor: Lakshman Parsuram Artwork: Alika Gupta