Preparation Station — Practical curriculum for life ahead.

Monthly Budget Planner

Ages 11–18 · parent at the table · ~15–20 min

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Plan the month before it begins. Estimate what comes in, decide what goes out, and name the saving goal you protect first. One page, once a month.

How we run this. Sit together with a pencil. Fill Money coming in from real life this month (allowance, chore pay, job, gifts) — estimates are fine. Then fill Money going out before any spending talk. Name one saving goal you protect first. Circle the leftover-or-short box together and decide one cut now if you’re short. Put the page on the fridge or in a binder.

Done when. Every blank that applies has a number or a dash, the saving goal is written in words, and both of you initial the bottom corner. Revisit on the last day of the month — compare plan vs reality for five minutes. That’s the habit; not a perfect month.

1. Money coming in

SourceEstimate

2. Money going out

CategoryPlanned

3. The decision

Left over? Move it to savings. Short? Cut one category before the month starts — decide now, not when the money is gone.

4. This month's saving goal

Tip: review this page with a parent or facilitator on the first day of the month and again on the last day. The review is where habits form.

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