It’s great to make a budget. But one of the hardest things to do when initially starting out is just listing all the things, big and small, that we spend our money on. Sometimes we don’t even pay attention! See below for our American Southwest Credit Union starter budget list. Notice we start with savings and retirement funds. Even if you can only contribute a small amount each month, make it a habit to save for your future. Do you have items on your list that we don’t? Add them and budget for them, even if it’s just a small amount.
Savings
- Investments/IRA, 401K/Retirement
- Emergency Fund/Rainy Day Fund
- House Maintenance
- New Car Fund
- Car Repairs
- Property Taxes if not included in mortgage
- Christmas Gifts
- Gifts Other
- Income Taxes (additional not deducted from paycheck)
- Home Improvements
Home Expenses
- Rent/Mortgage
- Propane or gas
- Electricity
- Water
- Trash Collection
- Phone, cell and land line if applicable
- Landscaping or yard care
- Property taxes are already included in the savings section
Groceries
- Groceries, over-the-counter medication, toiletries.
Pets
- Food
- Vet
- Boarding
- Misc
Entertainment
- Dining Out
- TV Streaming
- Internet
- Movies
- Spouse 1 – Fun money
- Spouse 2 – Fun money
Kids
- Allowance
- Clothing
- Shoes
- School Supplies
- Computer Equipment
- Transportation
- School Tuition/Fees if applicable
- Sports uniforms
- Extracurricular activities
- Summer camps
- Tutoring services
- Child care
- Field trips
- Entertainment
- Savings
- Child Support
Travel/Camping Trips
- Travel/Plane Tickets
- Camping (gas and site fees only)
- Hotels
- Food (do not include food if it is a camping trip unless you will be
going into town to eat at restaurants) - Travel/Trips Total
- Car
- Gas
- Insurance
- Oil Changes
- Car Payment
- Car Repairs are included in the Savings section
Grooming
- Spouse 1
- Spouse 2
- Kids
- Pedicures/Manicures are included in Spouse Fun Money
Health & Insurance
- Doctor Visits & Co-pays
- Health Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Homeowners/Renters Insurance if not included in your mortgage payment
Clothing
- Spouse 1 – clothing
- Spouse 2 – clothing
Get Out of Debt Plan
- Credit Cards
- Consolidation Loan
Other
- Alimony
- Child Support