A family budget template
A simple monthly budget with the kid costs people forget. The example below is an illustrative family of four with $6,200 a month in take-home pay. Your numbers will be different; the structure is what matters.
| Category | Example | Yours |
|---|---|---|
| Take-home pay | $6,200 | |
| Fixed bills | ||
| Housing (rent or mortgage) | $1,650 | |
| Utilities | $280 | |
| Phones and internet | $160 | |
| Insurance not taken from pay | $240 | |
| Car payment, gas and transit | $520 | |
| Childcare | $900 | |
| Debt payments | $200 | |
| Everyday | ||
| Groceries | $950 | |
| Household and personal care | $180 | |
| Fun and eating out | $140 | |
| Giving | $40 | |
| Kids | ||
| Clothes and shoes | $90 | |
| Activities and lessons | $120 | |
| School lunches and supplies | $80 | |
| Saving ahead | ||
| Sinking funds: birthdays, holidays, back-to-school | $200 | |
| Emergency fund | $150 | |
| Retirement or college savings (beyond payroll) | $200 | |
| Buffer for the unexpected | $100 | |
| Total planned | $6,200 | |
| Left to assign | $0 | |
If it doesn't balance
Look at wants first (eating out, subscriptions, extras), then the big three: housing, transportation and childcare, where one change can matter more than many small ones. Check whether you qualify for help you aren't using, such as childcare tax credits, free school meals or utility assistance.
Next: A family budget that survives real life and Track your spending for 30 days.