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Budget worksheet: a plan for this month

Print this blank page or copy it onto paper. Do not put bank numbers, passwords or Social Security numbers on it.

In danger right now: call 911. Crisis or thoughts of suicide: call or text 988. Not sure where to start? Call the Silver City Gospel Mission: 575-388-5071. Police, fire or sheriff, not an emergency: 575-388-8840 (Central Dispatch). Print our list of phone numbers → · Food pantry calendar → · Free meals calendar → · Getting there: bus and rides →
These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
In this guide
  1. My plan: fill in the blanks
  2. Before filling it in
  3. Check the result and make one next action
  4. Sources and more help

1My plan: fill in the blanks

Month or dates: ____________________
Money I can use: take-home pay $____; cash benefits $____; other confirmed cash $____
Total usable cash income A: $________
SNAP or other restricted benefits (separate): $________
Housing $____; utilities $____; phone $____
Groceries paid with cash $____; medicine $____
Transportation $____; childcare/work costs $____
Affordable debt payments $____; other essentials $____
Irregular-expense reserve $____; cushion if affordable $____
Other planned spending $____
Total cash planned B: $________
A minus B = $________
My actual spending this month: $________
One bill or amount I need to check: ____________________
If the answer is negative, my assistance request or call: ____________________
One change to try: ____________________
Review date: ____________________
Use monthly income and monthly costs here; do not count a transfer between your own accounts as new income. Keep restricted benefits separate and avoid counting the same groceries as both cash and SNAP.
Print these steps using the link below. Keep the completed page private.

2Before filling it in

This is a monthly budget worksheet. Label the month and use monthly amounts throughout. Use the bill calendar and next-paycheck guide for shorter cash periods. This sheet starts from income for the month; a separate bank balance already saved is not new monthly income.
Mark estimates E. Keep SNAP separate. For card use, choose the method explained in the budget guide and keep purchases and repayments from being counted twice.

3Check the result and make one next action

  • Check A equals the income lines, and B equals planned cash costs and reserves; do not add subtotals twice.
  • Compare planned payments with actual due dates using the bill calendar.
  • If A minus B is negative, write the amount of the gap and one call or assistance request.
  • If positive, confirm the money is not already assigned to another bill before deciding how to use it.
  • Review after one week and keep the completed page private.

4Sources and more help

Reviewed November 1, 2026. General money education; individual circumstances differ.
https://consumer.gov/your-money/making-budget

More help like this

Was scammed or had their identity stolenUse when someone lost money to a scam, someone used their name or card, or they are getting threatening calls about money.Needs help filing taxes or getting a tax refundUse when someone needs free help filing taxes, or may get money back from tax credits even with little or no income.Behind on debts, payday loans, or getting calls from debt collectorsUse when someone is overwhelmed by debt, has payday or title loans, or debt collectors are calling or suing.Federal checks went electronic: set up Direct Express or direct depositUse when someone gets Social Security, SSI, VA or another federal payment and still got paper checks, lost a check, or has no bank account. Since Sept 30, 2025 most federal payments must go to a bank account or a Direct Express card.Money basics: choose a starting pointStart here for budgets, bills, banking, saving and debt. No paid app or bank account is needed.Not enough money to get through the monthUse when food, medicine, housing or transportation money will run out before the next payment.

See all guides in Money and benefits →

This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer

Know a better way? Is something out of date?

If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.

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Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City, 575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.