Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
I am not a financial advisor. The material on this website should be used for informational purposes only and should not be used as financial advice or recommendations.
As 2025 approaches, it’s the perfect time to take control of your financial future. Whether you’re saving for a big purchase, paying off debt, or simply trying to build better money habits, creating a solid budget is the first step. With the right plan in place, you can make your financial goals a reality—and a budget planner can help you get there!
In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know to start budgeting, including how to set financial goals, how to structure your budget, and budgeting tips that will keep you on track throughout the year. And of course, I will share the Free Printable 2025 Budget Planner to help you begin budgeting today! (Click HERE to download the Budget Planner.)
The 2025 Budget Planner
I am so excited to share this budget planner with you! I added some pages and went with a pink coquette bow theme throughout the planner. I have received amazing feedback for my 2024 planner and wanted to get the 2025 planner up as early as possible. So, let’s get started!
This planner can be used for any pay frequency: monthly, weekly, and even daily! This is a colorful planner, but it will look just as good printed in black and white. I put more emphasis on creating sheets for yearly planning, so you can create and track your goals.
This planner is available in the US Letter Size 8.5 inches by 11 inches. It has 41 pages, including a front and back cover, so that you can select which sheets you need.
Features of the 2025 Budget Planner
This budget planner can be used as a physical or digital planner. You can import it into your favorite notes app and get started or print it out and use your favorite pen! It’s a simple way to track your finances and money goals in one place. (If you have GoodNotes, you will need to import the planner into the app to use it as a digital planner.)
I am so passionate about budgeting that each year I spend a lot of time creating free resources to help you. I began my budgeting journey using free resources and will continue to share them with you for as long as I can. I only ask that you share them with others to help them on their financial journey.
The 2025 Budget Planner Includes:
The 2025 Budget Planner Includes:
- Front Cover Page
- Name Page
- 2025 Calendar (Monday – Sunday Spread)
- 2025 Calendar (Sunday- Saturday Spread)
- 2025 Year at a Glance Calendar
- Annual Finance Goals
- Yearly Overview
- 12 Monthly Calendars (A Dated Calendar for Each Month)
- 30 Day Self Care Challenge
- 30 Day No Spend Challenge Tracker
- Monthly Overview Calendar (Monday- Sunday Spread)
- Monthly Overview Calendar (Sunday-Saturday Spread)
- Monthly Budget Sheet
- Paycheck Budget Sheet
- Weekly Budget Sheet
- Income Tracker
- Expense Tracker Sheet
- Monthly Bill Tracker
- Sinking Funds Tracker Sheet
- Bank Balance Tracker
- Debt Snowball Tracker Sheet
- Debt Payment Tracker
- Subscriptions Tracker
- Retirement Contribution Tracker
- Monthly Net Worth Tracker
- Yearly Net Worth Tracker
- Tax Deduction Tracker
- Notes
- Back Cover Page
How to Use a Budget Planner
I made this budget planner very easy to fill out, but I want to share some suggestions. Glance through the pages and see which pages are useful for your budgeting. After selecting the pages that you will use, you can create a book or binder for the entire 2025. I like to create a section for each month and add the budget sheets that I need for that month.
Next, you can decide how often you will be budget. This is normally determined by your pay frequency (how often you are paid). Use the monthly budget sheet to write all your bills and expenses for the month. Then grab the paycheck budget sheet to divide the monthly bills amongst your paychecks for the month. You may need to print multiple budget sheets for each month, depending on your pay schedule.
If you are tracking your income, expenses, debt, retirement, net worth, and/or bank balances, set a schedule of how often you will do this. It’s better to sit down at once to do your budgeting. Even if it’s a quick check in each morning or evening for your expense tracking.
As you work with your budget planner, you will develop a system of how often you will budget. You will start to see what sheets you use and the ones that don’t fit into your budgeting routine. I wanted to add a ton of sheets so that you can make this budget planner fit for you!
How to Begin Budgeting in 2025
Starting a budget can seem overwhelming, but with a few simple steps, you’ll have a clear financial plan for the year ahead.
- Track Your Income: List all sources of income—salary, side hustle(s), investment returns, etc. This gives you a full picture of how much money is coming in each month.
- List Your Expenses: Create two categories: fixed expenses (e.g., rent, utilities, loan payments) and variable expenses (e.g., groceries, entertainment, clothing). Don’t forget to include savings and debt payments as part of your expenses.
- Subtract Expenses from Income: This step reveals your discretionary income—what’s left after paying necessary bills. If your expenses exceed your income, you’ll need to adjust your spending or find ways to increase your income.
- Set Spending Limits: Based on your income and expenses, establish limits for each category of spending. Make sure these limits are realistic, so you can stick to them without feeling deprived.
- Monitor and Adjust: Your budget isn’t set in stone. It’s important to revisit it monthly to make adjustments as needed. Unexpected expenses or changes in income happen, and you’ll want to stay flexible.
Budgeting Tips for a Successful 2025
To make the most of your budget and stick to it throughout the year, try these practical budgeting tips:
- Use the 50/30/20 Rule: Allocate 50% of your income to needs (like housing, utilities, and groceries), 30% to wants (like dining out and entertainment), and 20% to savings and debt payments.
- Automate Savings: Set up automatic transfers to your savings account or retirement fund. This way, saving becomes a non-negotiable part of your budget.
- Prioritize High-Interest Debt: If you’re carrying debt, focus on paying down high-interest loans or credit cards first. This will reduce the amount of interest you pay over time.
- Use Cash Envelopes for Discretionary Spending: For categories like dining out, entertainment, or shopping, consider using the cash envelope system. Once the cash is gone, that’s it for the month!
- Review Subscriptions: It’s easy to forget about subscription services. Take a look at all your memberships—streaming, gym, apps, etc.—and cut the ones you’re not using regularly.
- Track Every Expense: Use your free 2025 budget planner to record every expense, no matter how small. This helps you stay mindful of where your money is going.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Sticking to a budget can be tough, so reward yourself for small achievements like hitting a savings milestone or cutting back on unnecessary spending. Just make sure the reward aligns with your budget!
Download the 2025 Budget Planner
To get your Free 2025 Budget Planner, Click the link below to access the Free Resource Library.
Free Budgeting Resource Library
You will also be able to download other free budgeting resources to help you on your financial journey!
Make 2025 Your Best Financial Year!
With this 2025 budget planner and a clear set of goals, you’ll be well on your way to taking control of your finances. By tracking your spending, adjusting your budget as needed, and sticking to your plan, 2025 can be your best financial year yet!
Ready to start? Download your free 2025 budget planner HERE and take the first step toward financial freedom!
If this planner has helped you, I would love for you to leave a comment below! Please share this with someone who needs help budgeting and connect with me on social media: @TheSavingButterfly
