A budget isn't about saying no to everything. It's about seeing where your money goes so you can make choices that feel good, and spot a little breathing room. This free worksheet adds up your totals as you type and shows whether you have money left over at the end of the month, or where you're coming up short.
My Monthly Budget
See where your money goes, and find a little breathing room.
1. Money Coming In
Use what you take home each month after taxes.
| Source | Amount per month |
|---|---|
| Paychecks (after taxes) | |
| Social Security or pension | |
| Other benefits (SNAP, SSI, etc.) | |
| Child support or alimony | |
| Side work or other income | |
| Total coming in |
2. Needs
| Bill | Amount per month |
|---|---|
| Rent or mortgage | |
| Electric, gas, and water | |
| Phone and internet | |
| Groceries | |
| Transportation (gas, bus, car payment) | |
| Insurance | |
| Medicine and health care | |
| Child care | |
| Minimum debt payments | |
| Total needs |
3. Wants and Extras
| Expense | Amount per month |
|---|---|
| Eating out and takeout | |
| Streaming and subscriptions | |
| Gifts and holidays | |
| Fun and hobbies | |
| Personal care | |
| Other | |
| Total wants |
4. Savings
Even $10 a month adds up. Pay yourself first if you can.
| Goal | Amount per month |
|---|---|
| Emergency fund | |
| Another savings goal | |
| Total savings |
5. The Bottom Line
Total going out:
Left over (or short) each month:
6. Next Steps
Small changes add up. Chances.org
How to use your budget
- Gather a month of bills and bank statements. Your best guess is fine to start, but real numbers are more helpful.
- Fill in what comes in first, then your needs, wants, and savings. The worksheet adds everything up as you type.
- Look at the bottom line. If you have money left over, decide on purpose where it goes, like an emergency fund. If you're short, start with the wants and look for one or two small changes.
- Check for help you may qualify for. SNAP, utility discounts, the Lifeline phone discount, and Medicare savings programs can free up real money each month.
- Do it again next month. Budgets get easier and more accurate each time.
Press See an example on the worksheet to see a filled-in budget.