Actual spending is what was spent after the fiscal year or reporting period, based on official records.
It is different from a recommended, approved, or amended budget because those are plans or legal spending authority. Actual spending reflects what happened.
Why It Matters
Actual spending helps residents compare budget plans with later results. It can show whether a program spent less or more than the budgeted amount, depending on the source and accounting method.
Common Misunderstanding
Actual spending is not the same as the current year’s budget. It usually looks backward, while recommended and approved budgets look forward.