Budget
Blueprint
Gather
your checkbook register, credit card statements, and receipts to fill in the
first three columns. Then rate each category. If an expense was necessary, and
your cost was reasonable, enter a "+" (plus sign). If it was a necessary
expense, but you overpaid, enter a "-" (minus sign). If the expense was not
out of necessity, enter a "?" (question mark).
Your
greatest opportunities for reducing spending are for those items you marked
"?." Perhaps you'll be willing to reduce or eliminate similar purchases in
the future in exchange for reaching your top goal. Spending rated "-" is
another opportunity. Look for ways to trade convenience for a better price on
these types of purchases and jot these ideas in the "Changes" column.
|
Category/description |
Weekly |
Monthly |
Annually |
Rating |
Changes |
|
Income |
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Paycheck |
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Dividends |
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Interest |
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Social
Security |
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Pension |
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Gifts |
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Other |
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Total |
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Housing |
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Rent
or mortgage |
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Electric/gas |
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Water |
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Garbage
collection |
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Telephone/cell
phone |
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Condo/association
fees |
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Property
taxes |
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Property
insurance |
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Maintenance |
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Transportation |
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Car
payments |
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Gas |
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Maintenance/repairs |
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License |
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Insurance |
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Parking/toll
fees |
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Public
transportation |
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Bicycle |
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Education |
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Student
loan payments |
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Tuition |
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Lessons |
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Books
& supplies |
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Category/description |
Weekly |
Monthly |
Annually |
Rating |
Changes |
|
Food |
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Groceries |
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Work/school
lunches |
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Clothing |
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Adults |
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