Which term best describes planning for expected costs and revenues over a future period?

• A. Net profit
• B. Liabilities
• C. Assets
• D. Budget

Answer: (D)

Planning for expected costs and revenues over a future period is budgeting. A budget is a structured forecast that outlines the income you expect and the expenses you plan to incur within a specific timeframe. It serves as a practical guide for decision-making, resource allocation, and goal setting, helping to coordinate activities and steer operations toward financial targets. By comparing actual results to the budget, you can spot variances and take corrective action to stay on track.

Net profit is the actual earnings after costs are subtracted from revenues, which is an outcome rather than a plan. Liabilities are obligations or debts the entity owes, and assets are resources it owns. These terms describe financial positions, not the forward-looking planning process.