Free printable · PDF · US Letter
Free monthly budget template
A one-page budget planner you can print every month. Write down your income, set 50/30/20 targets, and track needs, wants, savings and debt with budget vs actual columns.
- Income for the month — every paycheck and side income
- 50/30/20 targets worked out in one box
- Needs, wants, savings & debt with budget, actual and difference
- Monthly summary, savings goals and notes
How to use the budget template
- Start with income. Write every paycheck and side income you expect this month — after tax. Not sure of your take-home? The take-home pay calculator estimates it.
- Set your targets. Multiply your income by 50%, 30% and 20% for needs, wants and savings. The 50/30/20 budget calculator does it instantly.
- Plan each line. Fill in the budget column for rent, groceries, transport and the rest before the month starts.
- Track as you go. Add real spending in the actual column, then the difference shows where you're over or under.
- Review at month end. Use the summary and notes to adjust next month's plan — small changes every month add up.
Paper or app?
A printed budget is a great way to start: it's simple, visible and makes you think about every line. When you want the maths done for you and a budget that updates as you spend, the VaultlyApps planners — like Flow and Vault — keep it current on your phone and laptop. Each has a free live demo.
New to budgeting terms? See what a zero-based budget, the 50/30/20 rule and a sinking fund mean in our money glossary.