Make a monthly budget you can return to

Begin with take-home income

Write down the money you expect to receive this month after deductions. If your income changes, plan using a cautious amount you can rely on rather than your best month.

Give essential costs a place

List housing, food, transport, utilities and minimum debt payments before flexible spending. Use actual bills where you can. A budget is a decision aid, not a test you pass or fail.

Check the balance

Subtract planned costs from expected income. If the balance is negative, revisit flexible categories and consider speaking to a qualified professional before missing an agreed payment.

Compare planned and actual spending during the month. Next month, copy the useful parts of your plan and update the amounts that changed.