I break our budget down into three categories: fixed (costs that stay consistent month to month and/or have a deadline), future (things for which we save), and fluctuating (costs that vary week to week and don’t have a payment deadline).
For the fixed category, I insert the total amount we owe for that month. Then each week put 1/4 of the total aside and check off the brackets as I go. I use the asterisk to note the due date for payment. I also write the due dates directly into my calendar.
For the future category, I insert the goal amount that we put aside each month. I then check off each bracket as I save 1/4 of that goal each week.
For the fluctuating category, I simply document what I spend weekly for each item. Then I total it up at the end of the month. The purpose of this is mainly to keep track of spending rather than to stay within a goal. We pay for fluctuating costs with what is left after fixed and future so it’s naturally limiting.
F I X E D:
+ mortgage/rent
$__________ [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] *____/____
+ insurance (house/renters)
$__________ [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] *____/____
+ car payment
$__________ [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] *____/____
+ insurance (car/health/other)
$__________ [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] *____/____
+ internet
$__________ [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] *____/____
+ electric
$__________ [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] *____/____
+ cell
$__________ [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] *____/____
+ water
$__________ [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] *____/____
+ bank fees
$__________ [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] *____/____
+ debts
$__________ [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] *____/____
+ tithe/donations
$__________ [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] *____/____
+ subscriptions
$__________ [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] *____/____
F U T U R E:
+ general savings
$__________ [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
+ clothes/shoes
$__________ [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
+ health expenses
$__________ [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
+ vet bills
$__________ [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
+ gifts
$__________ [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
+ taxes
$__________ [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
+ house costs
$__________ [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
F L U C T U A T I N G:
+ groceries
[$_____ ] [$_____ ] [$_____ ] [$_____ ] = $________
+ personal care (salon visits, etc)
[$_____ ] [$_____ ] [$_____ ] [$_____ ] = $________
+ gas
[$_____ ] [$_____ ] [$_____ ] [$_____ ] = $________
+ dining out
[$_____ ] [$_____ ] [$_____ ] [$_____ ] = $________
+ kids’ activities
[$_____ ] [$_____ ] [$_____ ] [$_____ ] = $________
+ entertainment/books
[$_____ ] [$_____ ] [$_____ ] [$_____ ] = $________
+ household items
[$_____ ] [$_____ ] [$_____ ] [$_____ ] = $________
Emmy Goulet 