FREE SAMPLE LESSON · LESSON 1 OF 6
Know what money comes in
Make a Money Plan That Fits Your Income
Sign Up For This ClassLearn one useful thing
Use money you can count on
Start with take-home pay: the money you receive after payroll deductions. List each expected payment and its arrival date.
Keep benefits separate
Some assistance can only pay for certain needs. For example, do not treat a food benefit as cash available for rent. Make a separate line for restricted support.
If pay changes
Use a cautious estimate for the coming month and update it when you know more. Avoid spending money that has not been confirmed.
Free tools and trusted reading
- Open Google Sheets — make your money plan
- Consumer.gov: making a budget
- CFPB: bill calendar
- Google Sheets: get started
Basic Google tools require a Google account. Paper worksheets need no account. Outside resources are not CMCM partnerships.