One-Page Budget Link 

How to Use the One-Page Budget (Monthly + Paycheck-to-Paycheck)
This one-pager helps you plan your money in advance, track what you actually spend, and see what’s left—without a complicated system. You can use it as a monthly budget or a paycheck-to-paycheck budget.

1) Fill in the top section (Month + Pay Schedule)

Write the month you’re budgeting for and your pay schedule (weekly/biweekly/monthly). This sets the pace for how you’ll fund bills and spending.

2) Income (Expected vs. Actual)

• Expected: What you plan to bring in (Paycheck 1, Paycheck 2, other income).
• Actual: Update as money hits your account.
  Tip: If income is inconsistent, estimate low and adjust upward later.

3) Savings + Goals (Planned vs. Actual)

Decide what you’re building first (emergency fund, debt payoff, investing, etc.).

• Planned: What you want to set aside.
• Actual: What you actually saved/paid.

4) Fixed Expenses (Planned vs. Actual)

Fixed expenses are bills that stay mostly the same (rent/mortgage, car note, insurance, phone, subscriptions).

• Fill in Planned amounts first.
• Fill in Actual as you pay them.
  Use the blank lines for any fixed bills you have that aren’t listed.

5) Variable Expenses (Planned vs. Actual)

Variable expenses change month to month (groceries, gas, dining out, household, personal care, etc.).

• Set a Planned limit for each category.
• Track Actual weekly so you don’t get surprised.
  Use the blank lines for your personal categories (kids, pets, hair, work supplies, etc.).

6) Use it Paycheck-to-Paycheck (easy method)

If you budget by paycheck, this template still works—just use the Planned column to assign what each paycheck needs to cover:

• After you get Paycheck 1, fund your must-pay bills first (fixed expenses due before the next payday), then set a limit for your variable spending until the next check.
• After you get Paycheck 2, repeat: cover the next set of bills, goals, and spending limits.
  You can also write “P1” or “P2” next to each bill/category to remind yourself which paycheck it comes from.

7) Monthly Summary (your reality check)

This shows the full picture:
Total income – Goals – Fixed – Variable = Leftover/Cash Buffer
If leftover is negative, adjust your variable spending or reduce goals temporarily (not forever).

8) Notes / Wins / Adjustments

Use the notes box to track what worked, what didn’t, and what you’ll change next month. This is how budgeting gets easier over time.

Best way to use it: Set it up at the start of the month, then do a 10-minute check-in once a week to update the “Actual” column. Consistency beats perfection.