How to Set up a Budget Binder

Budget better starting now by setting up and organizing a budget binder! Let me show you how to set up a budget binder and get your finances organized once and for all!

Before I ever started using a budget binder, our finances were handled in a haphazard, willy-nilly kinda way. It was ridiculous.

Lack of organization = lack of planning.

WATCH THE VIDEO! ♥

The biggest problem we had was forgetting due dates which led to late bills and those dreaded fees. Which we could not afford! I had to often “rob Peter to pay Paul”, so to speak. And that never works. It is a never-ending cycle that causes unnecessary stress.

Speaking of keeping track of due dates, click here for a FREE printable Monthly Bill Due Date Tracker!

A Budget Binder Will Help You Budget Better!

Setting up a budget binder was the best thing I ever did for our finances!

Finally getting our money organized has helped us pay off debt, pay cash for vacations, repair past credit mistakes, and save money. We have been able to make big purchases with cash that we otherwise would never have been able to, living in that never-ending cycle.

I know what you’re thinking…

What is a Budget Binder?

A budget binder is nothing complicated or crazy. It is literally just a place to keep, organize, and plan all your financial stuff! 

Budgeting has always been something I did, but not necessarily well. When I finally set up a budget binder, that whole “not well” thing changed drastically!

Funny how such a small thing as organizing can help you do something better! Having it all organized and in one place makes planning so much easier. I promise it will help you to budget better!

Why Should I Use a Budget Binder?

The bottom line, it will help you budget better!

Period.

• It is easier to keep track of everything.
• All your bills are in one place.
• Organization = productivity.
• It makes planning your budget easier!

FREE Printable Budget Binder Bundle!

You’ll find some very useful tools in my Budget Binder Bundle! These FREE printables will help you get your finances in order and help you get your Budget Binder organized.

Click each link to print:

• Budget Worksheet ~ A simple worksheet to create your budget. This link will show you how to use the budget worksheet: 3 Easy Steps to Creating a Budget That Works For You!
• Due Date Tracker ~ Never forget those all-important due dates and get rid of late fees for good!
• Annual Expense Planning ~ A super simple tracker for annual expenses! Keep track of all annual expenses like auto-renewal, birthdays, etc.

Remember: Failure to plan is a plan to fail! 

How to Set up a Budget Binder!

First things first, you’re going to need some supplies. You may have some of these things already that just aren’t being used.

**NOTE** I am going to show you exactly how I set up MY budget binder. You can change anything you want! Your budget binder should be set up to work for YOU. There are certain items in my budget binder that I highly recommend for specific reasons. That said, what works for me may not work for you. 

Supplies:

• A 3 ring binder. You know because it is a budget binder. 🙂 I prefer to use a binder that has a zipper! It keeps everything neat and tucked away. Plus, nothing falls out. 🙂

• Dividers with pockets. Pockets are key!

• Pencils, pens, a calculator, sticky notes, and any other office supplies you think you’ll need or want to keep in your budget binder.
• A pencil bag with 3 ring holes. Depending on the type of 3 ring binder you have decided to use you may need a pencil bag to keep all of your office supplies in your binder.

If you’re weird like me, you probably have certain pencils and pens that you prefer. My favorite pencils are Bic Xtra-strong mechanical pencils! They are simply the best. Never do I have any issues with breaking lead!

Also, the best pens on planet earth…Papermate Ink Joy Gel 0.7!! For your convenience, I have listed them below on Amazon. ♥

Now that you have all your supplies, Watch The Video: How to set it up!

First Four Pocket Divider Sections in my Budget Binder:

This is how my budget binder is set up and it is what has worked for me for years. You might have different divider tabs. Make yours based on your budget and your needs. 🙂

1. Miscellaneous ~ The first pocket divider tab is used for any reminders or notes that I may need to refer to before doing my monthly budget. I also keep any “unexpected” bills that may come in the mail. For example a dental bill or doctor bill.
2. Current ~ My current monthly budget worksheet all filled out and ready to go is in this pocket divider. As the month goes on I often check this worksheet to make sure I’m staying on track. I also like to mark things off as they are withdrawn from my bank account.
3. Past ~ Here I keep my past budget worksheets for the entire year. It can sometimes be helpful to look back at different months when planning for the new year.
4. Credit ~ This tab is currently not in use. It was for keeping track of our credit repairing.

Last Four Divider Sections in my Budget Binder:

5. Taxes ~ In the fifth pocket divider we keep any tax information we may need that comes during tax time. For example w2’s.

6. Electric ~ It is extremely helpful to keep at least a year’s worth of past utility bills when planning your budget! Not every month is created equal. Utilities fluctuate with the changing seasons which means your bill is never the same.

7. Passwords ~ My passwords pocket divider frankly is a hot mess BUT, at least they’re all in one place. I would love to know how you all deal with the plethora of passwords! So annoying how everything requires something just a bit different. I do store my passwords on my computer but I think it’s a good idea to have hard copies! You just never know.

8. Receipts ~ In this pocket divider we keep important receipts from big purchases. Most of the receipts here are auto parts that have warranties.

More articles on budgeting you may find helpful:

• Budgeting And Money-Saving Tips to Use During Hard Times
• 5 FREE Money-Saving Money Making Apps, Start Earning, And Saving!

That’s all there is to it!

I hope this helps you get your finances organized! If you have any questions leave a comment. I always love to hear from my readers and I always answer questions!

Have a wonderful day!

Leigh Ann ♥

Leigh Ann

Leigh Ann Schooley is the owner and founder of Making My Abode, a blog dedicated to helping homemakers live well and simply on one income. She is a believer, wife, and mother of three with more than sixteen years of homemaking experience. Leigh Ann is the recipient of the Wife of The Year award eighteen years running. She has also won the Mother of The Year award every year for the past sixteen years. She is a Colorado native raised by her dad who taught her almost everything she knows. Leigh Ann lives with her husband and family in Colorado.