The 1-Page Budget

Educational only, not financial advice. This is a general budgeting tool and doesn't account for your personal situation. For advice on your finances, consider speaking with a qualified, regulated professional.

How It Works

This budget fits on one page because it only asks for what matters: what comes in, what goes out, and what you're setting aside. Grab your last month's bank statement and a cup of tea. Set a timer for 15 minutes.

Minutes 0–3: fill in your income. Minutes 3–8: fill in your needs. Minutes 8–11: decide on future you (savings and debt). Minutes 11–14: split what's left into wants. Minute 15: check it adds up to zero.

The idea is to give every unit of your income a job before the month starts. "Zero left" doesn't mean you spend everything; it means everything has a plan, including savings.

Your 1-Page Budget

Month: ________________

1. Money In

If your income changes month to month, use your lowest typical month.

2. Needs (bills and essentials)

3. Future You

4. Wants

5. Check It

If you're above zero: give the extra a job, such as more savings or extra debt payments. If you're below zero: reduce wants first, then look for savings in flexible needs (groceries, transport, subscriptions).

6. Percentages (Optional)

A common starting guide is roughly 50% needs, 30% wants, 20% future you. Your numbers might look different, especially if housing costs are high where you live. That's normal. Use the percentages to notice trends over time, not to judge yourself.

End-of-Month Check (5 minutes)

• What went well this month? ______________________________

• Where did I overspend, and why? ______________________________

• One change for next month: ______________________________

5 Tips to Make It Stick

1. Pay future you first. Set up an automatic transfer on payday so savings happen before spending.

2. Use round numbers. Budgeting 300 for groceries is easier to remember than 287.45.

3. Plan for the irregular stuff. Birthdays and annual bills aren't surprises. Divide the yearly total by 12 and save monthly.

4. Check in weekly. Ten minutes each week beats a stressful hour at the end of the month.

5. Keep some fun money. A budget with zero wants usually doesn't last. Guilt-free spending is part of the plan.

Common Questions

What if I share expenses with a partner? Budget your share of joint costs, or create a joint version together.

What if I get paid weekly or every two weeks? Plan around a typical month, or make a budget for each pay period.

What if I don't stick to it? Adjust it. A budget that reflects real life is better than a perfect one you ignore.

Sample product from a Fora-made demo creator page. Educational only, not financial advice.