BUDGET GUIDE
How to make a monthly budget that works.
A budget is a plan for the money you expect this month. These steps follow the order the planner is built around, and take about 20 minutes the first time.
Start with take-home pay
Add what actually reaches your account after taxes and deductions, not your gross salary. If your pay changes, plan with a careful, lower estimate and update the actual amount when it arrives. In the planner, choose the Income category.
List your bills
Rent or mortgage, utilities, phone, insurance, loan and card minimums, and subscriptions. Add each one to the Bill calendar once with its due day; it appears every month, and marking it paid records it in your budget.
Plan everyday spending
Groceries, gas, household supplies and other costs that change month to month. Look at last month’s receipts or statements for a realistic starting number, then add it as a planned amount.
Pay yourself on purpose
Decide what to set aside for savings and upcoming costs such as car repairs, holidays or school expenses. Savings goals show how much to put away each month to reach a target by a date.
Give every dollar a job
Compare planned income with planned spending and savings. If “Planned left” is negative, trim a flexible category or adjust a goal. If money is left over, decide where it goes now rather than at the end of the month.
Plan around each paycheck
If bills come due before your next payday, use the Paycheck plan to see which bills each check needs to cover, and the Cash-flow forecast to spot a low balance before it happens.
Make a plan for debt
List each card and loan in Debt payoff with its balance, interest rate and minimum. Any extra you can pay each month goes to one debt at a time: the highest rate first (avalanche) usually costs the least interest, while the smallest balance first (snowball) gives quicker wins.
Track and adjust weekly
Record purchases with Quick expense, check off the shopping list and record the receipt total. A short weekly check-in keeps the plan close to real life. Next month, Copy last month’s plan and adjust.
A common starting point
Some people start from a simple split, such as the widely used 50/30/20 guideline: about half of take-home pay for needs, about 30 percent for wants and about 20 percent for savings and extra debt payments. Treat it as a first draft, not a rule. Housing costs, debt and family size vary, so your own numbers matter more than any formula.
The planner adds up the numbers you enter. It does not give financial advice. For decisions about debt, taxes or investments, talk with a qualified professional.