Simple Budget Worksheet for Single Parents
Fill this out right on the page. It will total your income, essential bills, and holiday extras, then show you where you stand. At the end, you can download your completed worksheet as a text file.
Why this is designed for single parents
When you parent on your own, every dollar has a job. Holidays, school events, surprise bills, and kid stuff can hit all at once. This worksheet is meant to be:
- Quick to fill out, even when you are exhausted.
- Flexible for child support, benefits, and uneven paychecks.
- Honest about what has to be paid and what can wait or be negotiated.
Step 1 – List your monthly income
Start with what actually shows up in your bank account. If income changes week by week, use an average or write a low number you are sure of.
| Income source | Amount per month ($) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Main job (after taxes) | ||
| Second job or side gig | ||
| Child support received | ||
| Government benefits (SNAP, TANF, etc.) | ||
| Tax credits or refunds (monthly average) | ||
| Other income | ||
| Total monthly income | $ 0.00 |
Step 2 – List your essential bills first
These are the things that keep a roof over your head, lights on, food in the house, and basic safety for you and your kids. Write what is due this month, not the dream number.
| Essential bill | Amount due this month ($) | Must pay, can pay part, can delay |
|---|---|---|
| Rent or mortgage | ||
| Electricity | ||
| Heat / gas / oil | ||
| Water / sewer | ||
| Groceries (basic food) | ||
| Child care / school care | ||
| Transportation (gas, bus, train) | ||
| Phone and basic internet | ||
| Insurance (car, health, renters) | ||
| Minimum payments on debts | ||
| Total essential bills | $ 0.00 |
Step 3 – Holiday and kid extras
Now add the seasonal or kid related costs that usually sneak up on you. This is where Christmas and birthdays can quietly blow up your budget.
| Holiday or kid expense | Planned amount ($) | Actual spent ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Gifts for your kids | ||
| Gifts for others | ||
| Holiday meal or treats | ||
| School events, parties, donations | ||
| Extra childcare during school breaks | ||
| Holiday travel or gas money | ||
| Total holiday and kid extras (planned) | $ 0.00 |
If you realize your holiday budget is bigger than you can handle, you are not a bad parent. You are a human doing your best. You can always adjust and lean on lower cost traditions, handmade gifts, and free memories.
Step 4 – Your simple snapshot
The numbers below update automatically when you type in the tables above.
Total monthly income: $ 0.00
Minus total essential bills: $ 0.00
Minus holiday and kid extras: $ 0.00
Result: $ 0.00
If your number is negative, it means you need support and a plan, not shame. You can check what you might qualify for in food, housing, utilities, or income support here:
Step 5 – Your gentle 30 day plan
You do not need a five year plan tonight. You only need a 30 day plan that feels possible while you are parenting alone.
You are not bad with money, you are carrying a lot
You are doing the work of two adults, often with half the time and half the money. A simple budget will not fix everything, but it can give you a clearer path through this season.
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