Quick answer: List your income, essential bills and spending, then plan so rent and bills are paid first.
A budget does not need to be complicated. It just needs to show whether you have enough, and when.
Key points
- Write down your income and when it arrives.
- List essential costs first: rent, energy, food, travel and phone.
- Work out what is left and plan for it.
- Set money aside for bills before you spend on extras.
- Review your budget each month and adjust.
A tip
Ask your support worker to go through your first budget with you.
About the video
The video at the top of this page is by Finder - UK on YouTube. We picked it because its title is "How to budget your money: A beginner's guide". We did not make it, and rules and amounts change, so use the official links at the bottom of this page to check the details for your situation.
Sources and official help
This guide is general information, not legal or benefits advice. Rules and amounts change, so check the official links above or speak to Citizens Advice or your council before you make a decision.