Now you know how much money you have to work with this month. Now, add it all up and write in your total. (We’ve got a special irregular income budget template if you need it.)

You can adjust later in the month if you make more. If you’ve got an irregular income, take a look at what you’ve made the last few months and list the lowest amount as this month’s planned income budget line.If you’re married, list out all the income for both of you.Make sure you write in regular paychecks and anything extra, like that side hustle money.Here are some quick callouts when it comes to this first step: This is the proven plan to get ahead with your money-from saving more to paying off debt to building real wealth.ĭo you see the Planned column at the top of your Quick-Start Budget template? That’s where you list out all the money that’s coming in this month. We’ve got three steps to set up that budget and two more to keep it going-each and every month.īefore you dive in, print out your Quick-Start Budget template and open up your online bank account!Īlso, heads up: We’re about to mention the Baby Steps a couple of times. You ready? (Yes, you are.)Ī budget template (or budget worksheet) is a great way to get everything on paper, right there in front of your eyes. There’s nothing like having clear directions to follow and step-by-step blanks to fill in to give you the confidence you need to get going on this budgeting journey.

You know what can help? A budget template! Because a budget is a plan for your money-you tell it where to go, so you stop wondering where the heck it went.īut if you’ve never budgeted before, or it’s been a while, jumping in can be challenging. No matter what you want to do with your money, it starts with a budget.

Sample bay area personal budget