Before the month begins
Estimate take-home income, list known bills and note any unusual events. Build the month you expect, not an average month that ignores reality.
- Confirm expected income
- List fixed bills and due dates
- Add one-off events or annual costs
- Set category limits
- Choose a savings priority
During the month
Record important transactions and check the plan weekly. A short review catches problems before the last few days of the month.
At the end of the month
Compare the plan with what happened. Carry forward useful lessons, not guilt.
- Find the largest unexpected difference
- Check subscriptions and repeated small costs
- Note categories that need new limits
- Move remaining money intentionally