Two people discussing budget.

Making a budget: How to set yourself up for financial success

It’s the end of the month. You settle into your favorite chair and take a moment to relax, a smile of accomplishment on your face. The bills are paid, the fridge is fully stocked, and there’s even room in the budget for a few family outings or nights out with your partner.


This is what financial peace of mind looks and feels like. It may seem too good to be true to some. But it’s not as far-fetched as you might think.


It all starts with making a budget. Throughout this guide, we’ll give you the tools you need to create and maintain a budget in pursuit of financial peace of mind. We cover everything from what should be in your budget to tools that can help keep you on track.

Two people reviewing papers

What is a budget?

A budget is a record of your personal finances. It tracks every dollar of income and expenses over a given time period—be it daily, weekly, monthly, or quarterly. In this chapter, we provide you with the foundational knowledge you need to start building your budget.

Learn more about starting a budget
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What to include in a budget

At the most foundational level, your budget should include your income and expenses. This chapter shows you how to take into account all money coming into your accounts. In this chapter, we’ll show you how to break these down into categories, such as fun, dining out, and living expenses.

Read about what to include in a budget
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Managing living expenses

Here, we explore how to manage your essential expenses—the costs that keep a roof over your head, the lights on, and food on the table. We’ll show you how to categorize and efficiently account for the costs that keep your life moving forward.

Read about how to manage living expenses


Start making a budget today


Making a budget can be a powerful step toward financial freedom. While it requires discipline, it gives you control over where your money goes. And that means freedom to pursue your financial goals. 

 But budgeting is just the first step. And, at Intuit, we’re committed to helping you build a strong financial foundation. 


After exploring this guide, check out our collection of financial literacy resources to further expand your financial knowledge. After all, a bright financial future starts with financial literacy. 

A person sitting at a table with a laptop.


Two people reviewing papers

What is a budget?

A budget is a record of your personal finances. It tracks every dollar of income and expenses over a given time period—be it daily, weekly, monthly, or quarterly. In this chapter, we provide you with the foundational knowledge you need to start building your budget.

Learn more about starting a budget

A woman using her cellphone in front of her laptop

What to include in a budget

At the most foundational level, your budget should include your income and expenses. This chapter shows you how to take into account all money coming into your accounts. In this chapter, we’ll show you how to break these down into categories, such as fun, dining out, and living expenses.

Read about what to include in a budget

A house surrounded by greenery

Managing living expenses

Here, we explore how to manage your essential expenses—the costs that keep a roof over your head, the lights on, and food on the table. We’ll show you how to categorize and efficiently account for the costs that keep your life moving forward.

Read about how to manage living expenses

Two people sitting at a desk looking at a laptop.

How to create a budget

Creating a budget takes some work, but it’s straightforward. This chapter shows you how to take your budget from concept to reality.

Read about how to create a budget

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Using a budget template

Creating a budget from scratch can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are countless budgeting templates out there to help you take control of your finances. This chapter will help you get started.

Read about different budget templates

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Zero-based budgeting

Here, we’ll explore zero-based budgeting, a popular framework in which you account for every last dollar you earn. You start with your total monthly income and work backward toward zero, giving every dollar a job. Allocating every last cent to specific expense categories ensures nothing’s left unaccounted for.

Learn about zero based budgeting

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Best budget apps

If making a budget on mobile is more your speed, then explore this chapter of our comprehensive budgeting guide. We dive into the details of the best budgeting apps available today. What they can do for you, what they can’t, and how you can leverage that computer in your pocket to reclaim control of your financial future.

Read more about the best budget apps