A Budget

What it is

A simple plan for the money coming in and going out.

Why it helps you

A budget turns worry into a plan. You see what’s real, and you feel more in control.

Good to have first

Everyday Math, A Bank Account.

This opens up

Saving, Credit, Shopping Smart.

Where to get help

Start on paper

Budget Worksheet (consumer.gov) A one-page worksheet from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), a government agency. You write down what money comes in. Then you write down what goes out. Then you subtract.

Cost: Free
Who can use it: Anyone
How to start: Open the page and download the PDF. Print it, or copy the boxes onto any paper.
Good to know: No account, email, or ID needed. A library can print it for you.

“Behind on bills?” booklet (CFPB) A free booklet from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a government agency. It is for months when there isn’t enough money. It helps you choose which bills to pay first, like housing and utilities.

Cost: Free
Who can use it: Anyone
How to start: Download the booklet. Start with the page that helps you list your bills and due dates.
Good to know: You can print just the pages you need.

Talk it through with a real person

National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) A national network of nonprofit counselors. A counselor can help you build a budget that fits your real life. They won’t judge you.

Cost: The first talk is free. Some services, like a debt repayment plan, have a fee. Ask about fees before you agree to anything.
Who can use it: Anyone in the U.S.
How to start: Call 1-800-388-2227. Say: “I’d like help making a budget.”
Good to know: It helps to have a rough idea of your income and bills. You don’t need papers to start.

GreenPath Financial Wellness A nonprofit that is part of the NFCC network. Its counselors offer free, private sessions to look at your money and make a plan.

Cost: Free counseling sessions. Some special services have a fee.
Who can use it: Anyone in the U.S.
How to start: Call 1-800-550-1961.
Good to know: GreenPath says it does not lend money or do “debt settlement.”

211 A free, private phone line that connects you to local help. Ask about free money coaching near you, or help with food and bills.

Cost: Free
Who can use it: Anyone
How to start: Dial 2-1-1 on any phone. Say: “I’m looking for free help making a budget near me.”
Good to know: What’s available depends on where you live.

Use an app (optional)

Goodbudget A budget app that uses “envelopes.” You give each kind of spending, like food or rent, its own amount. You type in what you spend by hand.

Cost: The free plan costs $0. It includes 20 envelopes, 1 account, and 2 devices. Premium costs $10 a month or $80 a year. You don’t need it.
Who can use it: Anyone with a phone or computer
How to start: Sign up for the free plan. Make a few envelopes, like Rent, Food, and Phone.
Good to know: You need an email address. The free plan does not connect to your bank.

If you only do one thing first

Print the consumer.gov budget worksheet. Fill in just the top part: the money that comes in each month. Next time, add the bills. A pencil and one quiet half hour is enough to begin.

Watch out for

Apps that want your bank login. Some free apps make money by studying your spending and showing you loan offers. Writing things down yourself keeps your information private.
“Free trials” that need a card. If a budget tool asks for your card to try it, it may start charging you later. Set a reminder to cancel, or skip it.
Cash advance apps. Apps that “advance” your pay often charge fees and ask for “tips.” These add up fast. Turn to Money Traps to Avoid for more.
Paying someone to “fix” your money. Real budget help is free from nonprofits like the ones above. Be careful of anyone who wants money first.