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Family Money checklist

18 steps to a family budget that works with kids, and to raising kids who understand money. Go at your own pace.

Track your progress with a free account Get the free Family Budget Starter Kit

See where it goes

You can't stretch what you can't see.

Track every purchase for 30 days Guide
List and review every subscription Guide
Write a monthly family budget Guide
Hold your first 20-minute money meeting Guide

Stretch the big kid costs

The categories where families usually find the most.

Plan a week of dinners and shop from a list Guide
Check which childcare tax breaks you qualify for Guide
Take a back-to-school inventory before shopping Guide
Set a birthday and gift budget Guide
Set a holiday budget Guide

Build a cushion

So surprises don't become debt.

Save a starter emergency fund Guide
Automate a savings transfer every payday Guide
Set up sinking funds for yearly kid costs Guide
Name a guardian and check beneficiaries Guide

Teach the kids

Small, regular practice with real money.

Decide on an allowance approach and payday Guide
Set up spend, save and give jars Guide
Help each child choose a savings goal Guide
Open a first savings account when they're ready Guide
Walk a teen through a pay stub and a budget Guide