List monthly income
Use take-home income your household can reasonably count on for the month.
Budget planning guide
How to make a family budget
Build a family budget by starting with take-home income, estimating common expenses, and reviewing actual spending each month.
Family budget steps
Estimate required costs
Add housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, childcare, medical costs, debt, and savings.
Leave room for real life
Flexible spending and small surprises belong in the plan. A budget with no cushion is hard to keep.
Keep improving the plan
The first budget is only a draft. Compare it with actual expenses and make next month more realistic.