Free budget planner

Use our free interactive budget planner tool to get a clear picture of your finances. You’ll see where your money goes and how much you have left to save or use to pay off debt.

How to use the planner

Your information saves automatically as you go.
You can enter timeframes for each expense e.g. you might pay your rent weekly but your electricity quarterly. The calculator will adjust as needed.
You can switch between different views for the overall figures e.g. weekly, fortnightly, monthly etc.
To start over, click Reset at the bottom. Note: clearing your browser history or cache will erase your data.

When you’re done, click Submit to get a copy of your budget emailed to you.

For more information and tips see below for our FAQ on budgeting.

Visit our get help section to learn how our service works, who we help and what to expect if you become a client.

Income

Your take-home pay$0

Your partner's take-home pay$0

Bonuses / overtime$0

Income from savings and investments$0

Centrelink benefits$0

Family benefit payments$0

Child support received$0

Other$0

Home & utilities

Mortgage & rent$0

Body corporate fees$0

Council rates$0

Electricity$0

Gas$0

Water$0

Internet$0

Pay TV$0

Home phone$0

Mobile$0

Other$0

Insurance & financial

Car insurance$0

Home & contents insurance$0

Personal & life insurance$0

Health insurance$0

Car loan$0

Other loans$0

Other$0

Groceries

Supermarket$0

Other$0

Personal & medical

Cosmetics & toiletries$0

Hair & beauty$0

Medicines & pharmacy$0

Glasses & eye care$0

Dental$0

Doctors & medical$0

Hobbies$0

Clothing & shoes$0

Sports & gym$0

Education$0

Pet care & vet$0

Other$0

Entertainment & eat-out

Take-away & snacks$0

Cigarettes$0

Drinks & alcohol$0

Movies, music & streaming services$0

Holidays$0

Celebrations & gifts$0

Other$0

Transport & auto

Bus & train & ferry$0

Petrol$0

Road tolls & parking$0

Rego & licence$0

Repairs & maintenance$0

Fines$0

Other$0

Children

Baby products$0

Toys$0

Childcare$0

Sports & activities$0

School fees$0

Excursions$0

School uniforms$0

Other school needs$0

Child support payment$0

Other$0

Get a copy of your budget items

First name

Last name

State

Frequently asked questions about budgets

Why does everyone need a household budget?

Most people are surprised by where their money actually goes. A budget gives you a clear picture of your income versus your expenses (and what’s left over). Whether you’re trying to save for something big, pay down debt, or simply stay on top of your bills, a budget puts you in control. The more accurate and honest you are, the more useful a budget becomes. Knowledge really is power.

How do I use this budget planner tool, and what do I need to get started?

Using the budget planner is straightforward: enter your income and expenses, and it will show you a clear breakdown of your household finances. You can set different timeframes for each entry (e.g. rent weekly, insurance annually) and toggle between weekly, fortnightly, monthly and annual views. Your data saves automatically as you go.

For the most accurate result, we recommend reviewing your last three months of bank statements before you begin. This helps you capture irregular but real costs like car registration, insurance, and medical bills. If you don’t have statements handy, your best estimates are a good starting point. When you’re done, click Submit to receive a copy of your budget planner by email.

How do I keep on top of my budget long-term?

Once you’ve submitted your budget, you’ll receive a copy by email that you can refer back to. We recommend revisiting your budget whenever something significant changes such as a new job, a rent increase, or a change in family circumstances. For ongoing tracking on your own device, you can also download our Excel Budget Planning spreadsheet.

What are the best habits for staying on budget, and the traps to avoid?

A few habits that can make a real difference:

Set up automated transfers: One account for bills, one for This takes the willpower out of budgeting and means big expenses don’t catch you off guard. If you’re a Way Forward client, we also suggest using Budget Buckets – there is more information below these FAQs.
Have a goal: Saving or paying down debt is much easier when there’s a clear reason behind it.
Negotiate once a year: Call your lenders and service providers, a quick conversation can often get you a better rate or deal.

Common mistakes to avoid:

Living pay to pay without a buffer: Big bills feel “unexpected” when they’re actually just infrequent. Use this budget planner to spread those costs across the year.
Using credit to pay bills: High-interest short-term credit can quickly spiral out of control
Waiting too long to ask for help: If you’re struggling to pay a bill, contact the provider early. Lenders, telcos and utilities have a legal obligation to consider a request for financial hardship assistance. Acting quickly protects your credit rating.

What do I do if I can’t make ends meet?

If your budget shows your expenses are outpacing your income, you’re not alone and there are options. Start by contacting your lenders and service providers directly. Lenders, telcos and utilities have a legal obligation to consider a request for financial hardship assistance and will consider payment arrangements. If your debts feel overwhelming, Way Forward may be able to help you create a debt management plan. Find out if we can help.

Is my information safe with Way Forward?

Yes. Way Forward is an independent not-for-profit, free service. We are not selling products or working on behalf of any lender. Your information is confidential. When we speak to creditors on your behalf, we only share what’s necessary to set up your repayment plan, and only with your permission.

Way Forward Budgets: the Bucket Method

If you’re a Way Forward client, then you’ve already got a realistic budget. Our suggestion is to divide your money up into buckets based on this budget.

You’ll already have a transaction account into which your wage/salary is paid. This is the account where we will have organised the Way Forward direct debit (so your debts are reducing). What’s left in this account is for your everyday expenses such as groceries and transport.

Then set up three more accounts as follows, each with funds to be auto-transferred the day after pay day.

Way Forward Budgets: the Bucket Method

1. Bills

The amount will be based on your budget and cover electricity, rent, insurance etc

2. Savings

Your budget will have $25 per week set aside. This is a savings account so you want this account to earn interest.

3. Splurge

Having a little bit of money to spend on some fun things is important for your wellbeing. It might only be a small amount – $5 or $10 per pay period. You can work that out from your budget. But it will soon add up.

If you need any help in working out what amounts to set aside for these auto-transfers you can just ask us.

If you’re struggling to pay your bills and debts, find out if Way Forward can help you.

Supporting people to find the

Way Forward Debt Solutions is a registered charity in Australia –  ABN 20 628 702 821

Australian Credit Licence 516657
Australian Financial Services Licence 516657

Free budget planner

Way Forward Budget Planner

Income

Home & utilities

Insurance & financial

Groceries

Personal & medical

Entertainment & eat-out

Transport & auto

Children

Get a copy of your budget items

Frequently asked questions about budgets

Way Forward Budgets: the Bucket Method

Way Forward Budgets: the Bucket Method

Supporting people to find the

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