Get started · Plan

Plan for today and later.

Choose only the categories that your household needs. You can add or remove a category at any time.

Category prompts

Brainstorm your first list.

These are prompts, not requirements. Start with a short useful list and add categories when real life shows you need them.

01IncomeList the money that you expect to receive.
  • Paychecks
  • Benefits
  • Child support received
  • Pension or retirement income
  • Side work
  • Other regular income
02HomeStart with the costs that keep your home safe and working.
  • Rent or mortgage
  • Property tax
  • Home or renters insurance
  • Homeowners association fee
  • Electricity
  • Water and sewer
  • Gas, oil, or propane
  • Trash and recycling
  • Internet
  • Phone
  • Repairs and maintenance
  • Household supplies
  • Furniture or appliances
  • Lawn care or pest control
03FoodKeep food at home separate from optional meals out.
  • Groceries
  • Work or school lunches
  • Restaurants
  • Takeout or delivery
  • Coffee and snacks
  • Food for guests
04TransportationInclude regular costs and future repairs.
  • Car payment
  • Fuel
  • Public transit
  • Parking and tolls
  • Rideshare or taxi
  • Routine maintenance
  • Repairs
  • Tires
  • Registration and inspection
  • Vehicle tax
  • Bicycle maintenance
05Health and insurancePlan for care, premiums, and costs that insurance does not pay.
  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Auto insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • Doctor visits and copays
  • Prescriptions
  • Dental care
  • Vision care and glasses
  • Therapy or counseling
  • Medical supplies
  • Over-the-counter medicine
  • Insurance deductibles
06Family, school, and petsAdd only the lines that apply to your household.
  • Childcare
  • Child support paid
  • School costs
  • Sports and activities
  • Family support
  • Pet food
  • Pet medicine
  • Veterinary care
  • Pet grooming or boarding
07DebtGive each required payment its own clear line.
  • Credit cards
  • Student loans
  • Medical debt
  • Personal loans
  • Other required payments
08Personal and funPlan this spending. Do not hide it in another category.
  • Clothes and shoes
  • Haircuts
  • Toiletries
  • Personal spending
  • Subscriptions
  • Streaming services
  • Date nights
  • Trips
  • Books or games
  • Hobbies
  • Sports or events
  • Gifts and birthdays
09Work, giving, and feesThese costs are easy to miss.
  • Work clothes or tools
  • Professional dues
  • Career development
  • Giving
  • Legal obligations
  • Income tax not withheld
  • Bank fees
10Savings and future costsSave a small amount each month for known future costs.
  • Emergency fund
  • Retirement
  • Home repair fund
  • Car repair fund
  • Medical buffer
  • Annual bills
  • Holidays and gifts
  • Travel
  • New car
  • Home deposit
  • Replacement items
  • Cash buffer

Known future costs

Save a little each month.

Use a sinking fund for a known cost. Name the cost and the date.

Total cost÷Months left=Monthly amount

Example: $600 car insurance ÷ 6 months = $100 each month.