Budgeting

Most Americans say everyone needs a budget (93% according to a Debt.com poll). Yet, about one-third (33%) say they don’t actually maintain a budget. That’s where Kansas Money Coach can help. We guide our clients in creating a budget and tracking spending, so you can stick to it.

Budgeting Advice From the Experts

We’re here to help you every step of the way because budgeting isn’t a “set it and forget it” tool. It starts with a plan and takes dedication to keep on track to help you meet your financial goals as well as build and manage wealth. We work with you to:

  • Set a budget that works for you and your family
  • Track your spending against your budget and monitor opportunities and areas of concern
  • Adjust your budget to align with any changes necessary to keep you growing your emergency savings fund and building wealth
budgeting

Budget Tools and Resources

Get started with budgeting using some of these tools, templates, and resources, including:

General and Monthly Budget Planning

When creating your budget, you’ll want to make sure you have a complete list of items that covers all specifics throughout the year. These items include:

General Items to Budget for

  • Automotive Costs – Car Registration, Driver’s License Renewal, Auto Insurance Premiums
  • Medical Costs – Insurance Premiums, Out‐of‐Pocket, Annual Insurance Payments
  • Gifts – Birthday and Wedding Gifts
  • Support – Spousal and/or Child Support
  • Homeowners Costs – Home Improvement, Pest Control, Furniture/Appliance Replacement, Property Taxes
  • Bank/Credit Card Annual Fees
  • Personal Care – Haircuts
  • Miscellaneous – Annual Memberships
  • Business Charges – Professional Fees, Tax Payments
  • Student/Child Costs – Childcare, Nannies, or Babysitters, Tuition
  • Renter Costs – Security Deposit, Renters Insurance
  • Charitable Contributions – Donations to Nonprofits, Churches, Etc.

Items to Budget for by Month

January

  • Estimated Tax Payments

February

  • Valentine’s Date

March

  • St. Patrick’s Day
  • Spring Break

April

  • Estimated Tax Payments
  • Prior Year Income Tax Balances Due
  • Lawn and Garden – Spring
  • Easter Brunch
  • Spring Clothes

May

  • Mother’s Day
  • Memorial Day Travel or Cookouts
  • Graduation Parties or Gifts

June

  • Summer Vacation
  • Father’s Day
  • Summer Camps

July

  • Estimated Tax Payments
  • 4th of July Travel or Party Costs
  • Camping

August

  • Enrolling in School
  • Back‐to-School Supplies

September

  • Labor Day Getaway
  • Outdoor Furniture Sales
  • Football Games
  • Fall Clothing

October

  • Estimated Tax Payments
  • Halloween Party and Costumes

November

  • Thanksgiving Dinner
  • Thanksgiving Travel

December

  • Christmas or Holiday Presents
  • Christmas or Holiday Parties
  • Christmas Decorations
  • Holiday Travel
  • Winter Clothing

Get a PDF of the budget planning list above HERE.

Personal Budget Template

Download an .XLS version of our budget template HERE.

Budgeting Guidelines

Download a list of family budgeting guidelines with recommended percentages to allocate to each category HERE.

Learn More About Budgeting

Check out our blogs about budgeting here.