Budgeting: Creating a Spending Plan

This can be done by monitoring your total monthly income and assessing how much must be used on necessary expenses.  Once you allocate a dollar figure to be used for life’s necessities, you’ll begin understanding how much you can afford to put toward elective spending.

The following resources and tools contain valuable information and can help you begin budgeting and creating your own spending plan:

General Resources

Ohio State University Extension

• Ohio Saves Campaign – America Saves
  • Create a Budget for Your Family
  • 5 Steps to Creating a Budget 

U.S. Federal Trade Commission

• Budgeting - What It Is, What To Know, and What To Do 
• Setting Out on Your Own 

U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

• Blog - Budgeting: How to create a budget and stick with it 
• Consumer tips for managing spending

Tools and Worksheets

Ohio State University Extension

• Accounting for Your Money Hope Chest 

OhioMeansJobs

• Ohio Budget Calculators 

U.S. Federal Trade Commission

• Make a Budget - Worksheet

U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

• Well-Being Monthly Budget

Microsoft Excel

• Manage Your Household Budget

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