The Ultimate Guide to Budget Planners: Tools to Manage Your Finances

Modak
December 13, 2024

Budgeting is a crucial skill for achieving financial stability and reaching your money goals. However, without the right tools, it can quickly become overwhelming. This is where budget planners come in. Whether you're looking for a printable monthly budget template, a budget journal, or the best financial literacy books, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know about budget planners.

Also, we’ll dive into how teens can save money and set financial goals using the Modak app and how they can use their Visa® debit card1 designed for kids and teens and payment link to receive earnings from side hustle activities without any monthly subscription fees4.

What is a Budget Planner?

A budget planner is a tool designed to help you organize your finances. It allows you to track your income, expenses, and savings, ensuring you stay on top of your financial goals. Budget planners come in various forms, including printable templates, journals, and digital apps.

Why Use a Budget Planner?

Using a budget planner can provide several benefits:

  1. Organization: Keep all your financial information in one place.
  2. Clarity: Understand where your money is going each month.
  3. Goal Setting: Set and track financial goals, such as saving for a vacation or paying off debt.
  4. Accountability: Stay accountable to your budget and spending limits.
Girl reading about finances

Types of Budget Planners

There are several types of budget planners to choose from, depending on your preferences and needs.

Printable Monthly Budget Templates

Printable budget templates are perfect for those who prefer a tangible, hands-on approach. These templates can be customized and printed out each month, allowing you to fill in your income and expenses by hand.

Advantages of Printable Budget Templates

  • Customization: Easily adjust the template to fit your specific needs.
  • Accessibility: No need for digital devices or internet access.
  • Visual Appeal: Many templates come in aesthetically pleasing designs.

Where to Find Free Printable Budget Planners

Several websites offer free printable budget planners. Some popular options include:

  • The Budget Mom
  • Printable Crush
  • Savvy Mama

Budget Journals

A budget journal is a physical book where you can record your financial information. It combines the practicality of a budget planner with the reflective benefits of journaling.

budget journal

Advantages of Budget Journals

  • Reflection: Allows for personal notes and reflections on your spending habits.
  • Consistency: Keeps all your financial information in one place.
  • Motivation: Tracking progress in a journal can be highly motivating.

Digital Budget Planners

For tech-savvy individuals, digital budget planners and apps offer a convenient way to manage finances on the go. These tools often come with additional features like automatic expense tracking and financial reports.

Popular Digital Budget Planners

  • YNAB (You Need a Budget): A comprehensive budgeting app with educational resources.
  • Mint: An all-in-one financial management tool that syncs with your bank accounts.
  • EveryDollar: A user-friendly app based on the zero-based budgeting method.

The 50/30/20 Budget Template

The 50/30/20 budget is a popular method that divides your income into three categories:

  1. 50% Needs: Essential expenses like rent, groceries, and utilities.
  2. 30% Wants: Non-essential spending like dining out, entertainment, and hobbies.
  3. 20% Savings: Savings, investments, and debt repayment.

How to Use the 50/30/20 Budget Template

  1. Calculate Your Income: Determine your monthly take-home pay.
  2. Divide Your Income: Allocate 50% to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings.

Track Your Spending: Monitor your expenses to ensure they align with your budget.

How Modak Helps with Budgeting and Earning Money

At Modak, we understand the importance of teaching kids and teens about money management. Our app offers a range of features that can help your family with budgeting and earning money.

Mom and son spending time together

MBX Rewards and Challenges

With Modak, kids and teens can earn MBX, our in-app reward point system, through various activities. By walking 5,000 steps every day, they can earn 10 MBX per day(2)(3). Completing challenges in the app can also help them earn more points. These points can be converted into dollars and spent using their Modak Debit Card. By walking, children can earn up to 70 MBX per week, which translates to an extra $8 per week just by staying active.

Managing Chores and Payments

Parents can easily manage chores and payments within the Modak app. They can set up custom chores with due dates and payment amounts. When kids complete their chores, they can mark them as done in the app and receive their payments directly into their Modak account. This feature helps teach kids the value of hard work and financial responsibility.

Creating Savings Goals

Both parents and kids can create savings goals in the Modak app. These goals can be for anything – a new bike, a video game, or even a college fund. By contributing to these goals, kids learn the importance of saving and planning for the future5.

Payment Links and Direct Deposits

Teens can create payment links within the Modak app, making it easy for anyone to pay them for gigs or part-time jobs. Additionally, direct deposits can be set up for teens who work, allowing their earnings to go directly into their Modak account.

24/7 Customer Support

Modak offers 24/7 customer support with real agents who respond in under three minutes. Whether you have questions about the app or need assistance with a transaction, our support team is always available to help.

Conclusion

Budget planners are invaluable tools for managing finances, whether you prefer printable templates, budget journals, or digital apps. They help you stay organized, set financial goals, and achieve financial freedom. By incorporating budgeting into your daily routine, you can take control of your finances and set a positive example for your children.

At Modak, we're committed to helping families develop strong financial habits. Our app offers a range of features to support your budgeting efforts and teach kids the value of money. Ready to take your budgeting to the next level? Download the Modak app today and take the first step in managing your finances and working towards financial stability.

  1. Modak is a financial technology company and not a FDIC-insured bank.Checking account and the Modak Visa® debit card issued by Lewis & Clark Bank, Member FDIC. Funds deposited into checking account may be eligible for up to $250,000 of FDIC insurance. The FDIC’s deposit insurance coverage only protects against the failure of an FDIC-insured depository institution.
  2. 100 MBX = $1(as of June 2024). This is an approximation and not a guaranteed result. For more information on MBX, visit: Click here for more information on MBX
  3. Walking 5,000 steps a day gives users 10MBX (as of June 2024). This is subject to change at Modak’s discretion
  4. Fees for expedited or premium services may apply. Find out more in our Cardholder agreement.
  5. The savings goals feature is intended to assist you in planning and tracking your savings progress. It does not imply or guarantee any interest earnings.

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