Free Monthly Budget Printable for Kids

As my kids have gotten older we’ve really been honest with them about money – about how much we have, how much things cost, etc. We want them to understand the value of money and take it seriously. They’re at an age now where they can start handling their own finances and budget, with some help. So I created this easy-to-use free monthly budget printable for kids to help them track their incoming money, their expenses, and the stuff they’re saving for (like a bearded dragon!).

Free Monthly Budget Printable for Kids

Here are some other budgeting resources that might be helpful for your kids as they start learning how to budget:

• DIY Cash Envelope System for Kids (it matches this budget printable!)
• DIY Cash Envelope System (this was designed for adults and so the writing space is kind of small…but it might be useful!)
• 60 Day Budget Challenge (also designed for adults, but this is something you could work through and teach your kids the parts that apply to them)

When can kids start learning to budget?

Kids can start learning to budget as soon as you can teach them! One of the reasons we give our kids an allowance is specifically for this reason – they are responsible for spending and/or saving their own money, and I believe this teaches them the value of a dollar (both kids are notorious for experiencing buyer’s remorse – and I think this is a GOOD lesson to learn as a child!).

How much allowance should I give my child?

This totally depends on your situation, your child, and what you feel is appropriate. I once a saw a formula that recommended paying between .50-1.00 for each year they’ve been alive per week. We went with .75. So it would look like this for a 10-year-old:

(.75 x 10)x4 = $30/month

And this for a 7-year old:

(.75×7)x4 = $21/month

She’s pretty mad she gets less than her brother but I told her we would stop paying allowance when they turn 18, and since Jack will turn 18 before her it will all even out. 

I don’t set restrictions on how they have to spend or save their money. Some people have their kids split their earnings up into savings, charity, spending, and college. That is, again, a personal choice. I will say that even without requiring them to give, both kids do. For the last couple years, Jack has sent money to the US Air Force Museum without any prompting. 

How do I use this budgeting printable?

I tried to keep this budgeting form as simple and straightforward as possible. Kids write down what comes in each month and what goes out each month. There is a small box at the bottom to record any leftover money, and also a place to write down any goals they have. They might use this space for something specific, like “save $10,” or something they are working towards more long-term (Claire wrote “bearded dragon” because she wants to save for one). 

Print off one page for each month. If the money coming in/going out is few and far between, you can use this sheet for an entire quarter or as long as it will last. If they run out of room, have them write on the back or print out another sheet. 

It also comes with a cute cover page if they want to make their own budgeting binder!

Download the printable by clicking here or clicking the black and white “Download” button below. If you have any trouble downloading, email me and I will send you the files.

If you’re here because you’re new to budgeting or want to reapply yourself to your budget, check out these helpful budgeting posts:

• Why You Need an Emergency Fund
• We Sold Our House to Pay off Debt
• How to Use Cash Envelopes with Online Payments