What is a Spending Plan?

The coaches explain.

Instructional Text

A spending plan is a simple strategy for making the most of your money and reaching your financial goals. Image Description
How do you create a spending plan? On a simple, one-page form you write down the money you have coming in and what you spend in an average month. Putting it down on paper helps you see where you can improve and make better money decisions. Image Description
Some people call this making a “budget.” But we happen to like the term “spending plan” a lot better. Because it’s a good reminder that how you spend, and how much you spend, is really up to you. Image Description
A spending plan can help you live within your means. Having a lifestyle that you can afford: not spending money faster than you earn it and not borrowing more money than you can afford to repay. Image Description
The right spending plan can help you set aside enough to pay your bills, have some savings for emergencies, and some money left over in your pocket every month. Image Description
In this lesson, we’ll introduce you to the key concepts of a spending plan. After that, you’ll have the opportunity to create a spending plan of your own. Let’s get started! Image Description

Spending plan

• Your personal strategy • Simple one-page form • Live within your means • Avoid too much debt • Pay your bills • Savings and money to spend
For an introduction to the key concepts of a Spending Plan, click the Next button.
What is a Spending Plan? Key concepts of a Spending Plan Create your own Spending Plan Deciding what to pay first