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 Your next steps...
Owning my BESTSELLER, the Budget Planner makes you part of the
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 Meet the
CREATOR
WHO AM I?
I’M THE BUDGET DOCTOR!
MY NAME IS CATHERINE AND JUST LIKE YOU, I’M A WOMAN WHO IS GOAL-
DRIVEN, WANTING TO TACKLE MY FINANCIAL LIFE TO HAVE AN EASIER LIFE.

WHAT DO I DO?
I DESIGN THESE PLANNERS FOR THOSE BUSY LADIES WHO WANT TO GET RID
OF MONEY STRESS AND LEARN TO MANAGE IT LIKE A BOSS USING A FUN,
BUDGETING SYSTEM.

WHAT IS THIS?
A HOW-TO GUIDE. BECAUSE I KNOW THESE THINGS CAN GET
A LITTLE BIT CONFUSING, CONSIDER THIS YOUR PLANNER
TUTORIAL FOR ALL THINGS BUDGETING USING THE BUDGET PLANNER.

USING THIS GUIDE, I'LL SHOW YOU HOW TO USE EACH PAGE IN THIS PLANNER.

STEAL MY FORMULA FOR BUDGETING

TO GET LESS STRESSED AND MORE ORGANIZED.

@budgetdoctor | yourbudgetdoctor.com
To download:
1. Save the file
Save it to where you like to save your documents -- Dropbox,
Google Drive, iCloud Files, etc. You want to save a blank copy of the
document so you always have access to it.

2. Open
Open your PDF markup app of choice (I use Goodnotes 5) and
import the file. Now you can get to planning!

3. Can't find your download?

On your iPad, go to the Files app
(blue folder, white background).
Your downloads will be there.

4. Click on your new digital

planner and hit the share icon
in the top right-hand corner
(looks like an arrow).

You'll select GoodNotes, or

your note taking app of choice,
from the app list.

@budgetdoctor | yourbudgetdoctor.com
TIPS FOR USE Use these 3 dots & 'copy page'
for any page you'd like to duplicate

The house icon always takes Use the new page icon to
you back to the index paste a page that you have copied

Tap the pencil icon in the top right corner of the screen to switch between reading and editing mode.

Reading Mode ➡️ Hyperlinks are active- you can click tabs & buttons
Editing tools (adding images, text boxes, or handwritten notes) are hidden.
Editing Mode ➡️ Editing tools active
Hyperlinks are not active- cannot click tabs and buttons to switch pages

@budgetdoctor | yourbudgetdoctor.com
INDEX PAGE

The entire planner is hyperlinked meaning you can click on buttons/tabs

to navigate through the planner. It's basically an interactive PDF!
The home symbol, on every page, will always bring you to this page

This is the page that helps you navigate the entire planner

Make sure you're in reading mode (See previous page) when on this
page to be able to click either the buttons or the monthly tabs
to be taken to that specific page
The empty tabs are for you to fill in your own inserts or buy some
in the shop, completely up to you!

@budgetdoctor | yourbudgetdoctor.com
zero based budget
framework
10 step guide to the only money system you'll ever need
If you're just starting out with my budgeting system, things will be overwhelming.
Start with one step & then move onto the next.

1 Identify regular bills

2 Create Budget calendar

3 Identify variable expenses

4 Identify savings goals

5 Create a debt payment plan

6 Put together your Paycheck Plan

7 Cash(less) Envelope Trackers

8 Track & Categorize your Spending

9 Reconcile your month

10 Update all trackers

@budgetdoctor | yourbudgetdoctor.com
IDENTIFY REGULAR BILLS

Fill out this page 1st. Find it in the index under "BILL PAYMENTS"
Identifying your fixed expenses is essential, but it's also crucial to keep these
costs manageable.
This page is an overview of all the bills you've paid for the entire year- it's a
GREAT reference page
In addition to adding my bills on a calendar, I also like to keep track of when
I pay my bills. Having something that I can look at quickly gives me peace of
mind and reminds me of what bills I still have left to pay.
Make a list of the fixed expenses you are paying month-to-month.
Fill in the Due date
The description of the bill
The estimated amount
Check it off once paid or write in the amount- your choice
From your list, identify what fixed expenses bring value to your life, and which
ones don't.
Make a decision to keep, decrease, or cut each expense.
CREATE BUDGET CALENDAR

Your budget calendar will be your map For example, if you get paid on the 5th
when planning out your paychecks. (green highlighter) and 19th (yellow
This page alone will help you manage highlighter) & your car payment is due
your money, eliminate ugly surprises & get on the 1st, you know you have to use
all your finances organized in one place! your paycheck on the 19th of the
They keep you focused on what's coming previous month to make sure your car
up, remind you when each bill needs to lease is paid on time.My cell phone
be paid, and save you from late fees. payment is due on the 12th, so I know I
Fill in 'PAYDAY" on the days you get paid. need to pay that bill with my paycheck
Highlight each payday a different color. on the 5th, I'd highlight this bill green.
List all of your bills (and any upcoming Repeat this until all paydays & bills are
birthdays or special occasions) and the listed and highlighted.
amount due on their due dates. The weekly buttons take you to the
Highlight the bills the same color of the weekly layouts.
the paycheck that'll be used to pay for it. Fill in your top 3 goals for the month up
at the top.
IDENTIFY VARIABLE EXPENSES
For the past 3 months, collect your bank statements, receipts, etc., and make categories
for your day to day expenses.
These categories can include things like:
Food (groceries & eating out)
Reminder
This will show you
Transportation (gas, parking, oil changes, etc) how much you
Self-care (haircuts, mani/pedis, waxing, etc) are spending in each
Miscellaneous (random things that come up) category every month
Entertainment so that you have a realistic
Pet # in your budget
Home supplies
(toilet paper, kitchen supplies, toiletries, etc)

Insert these categories in the first column in the chart below. This is not in the digital planner.
Calculate the average (last column) and that will be the number that you will budget
for each category/month.
IDENTIFY SAVINGS GOALS
Writing your savings goals down is important, but it's even more important to identify
their importance in your life. This will give you guidance on where to throw your money
to make the most significant impact in your life.
Make a list of your savings goals aka sinking funds. They can include:
Vacation, Gifts, car maintenence, taxes, self care, luxury, laptop, new phone,
washer/dryer, etc
Insert these categories in the second column in the chart below.
This is not in the digital planner.
I’m going to have you put some money aside every single paycheck to achieve these goals.
Fill in the columns:
What is the goal?
Reminder
Sinking Fund =
The goal due date- aka when you want to have the money
Saving a little bit each
How much it costs
paycheck for a future
How many months you have left
goal or event.
Do the math to get how much it’ll cost monthly
CREATE DEBT PAYMENT PLAN
This step is not about paying off debt but rather creating a plan to pay it off.
It's important to not only look at your full debt picture but to learn the money management skills
to stay out of debt.
Determine what method you are going to use to pay off your debt.
Create a list of all of your debts. Include creditor, balance owed, interest rate, minimum
payment and due date.
List your debt in order of priority based on the method you choose:
Snowball = Paying off debt with the smallest balances first. You will see signs of progress
earlier on in your debt payoff journey.
Avalanche = Paying off debt with the highest interest first. By using this method, you will
save the most money on interest payments over the life of your debt.
Work your plan of attack to pay off debt. Make minimum payments on all of your debt and throw
any extra income to your number one priority debt.
Use the chart below to lay it all out- ONLY included in the PRINTABLE BUDGET PLANNER- FREE
WITH THIS GUIDE
PUT TOGETHER YOUR PAYCHECK PLAN

The Paycheck Plan was designed to create a zero-based budget which

simply means every dollar you made has a plan
You want to use one of these every single time you get paid
Once a month, use 1
Biweekly, use 2
Weekly, use 4
You can duplicate as many of these pages as you need. Go back to
page 6 of this guide to find out how to copy and paste in Goodnotes 5
Fill in how much your paycheck/inflow of income will be. It will never be
exact. You might be off by a couple of dollars. That's OK. Don't get
caught up in making the numbers perfect.
For me, I get paid twice every month. Some months have more days, so
my paycheck may be different. I just average my last 3 paychecks and
use that number
I use my calendar to see which bills have to be paid with each paycheck
according to when they are due; your budget calendar will be your guide
@budgetdoctor | yourbudgetdoctor.com
PUT TOGETHER YOUR PAYCHECK PLAN PT 2

STEP #1: Under EXPENSES, list all the bills you want to pay for that specific paycheck
that you wrote down in your calendar along with the date due and how much you're
budgeting to pay.

STEP #2: Subtract your total bills from your expected income- this is your leftover.

STEP #3: You will use any leftover income, after paying your regular bills, for your cash
envelopes, these is your day to day spending/allowance. We figured this out on page
12 of this guide (identify your variable expenses).

STEP #4: List all of your cash envelopes & your budget for each cash envelope.
If you're a cash only spender, check off the cash box If you're not, check off debit

This is so you know where this money is

TIP: You need to decide which categories you want to use for the cash envelope
method. Mine include gas, food, coffee and miscellaneous spending. You can add fun,
health & beauty too! Make sure you choose categories that are helpful for you.
Remember, you did this on page 12 of this guide.

STEP #5: Subtract your cash envelope amounts from the income that you had left over
after paying your regular bills.

STEP #6: Use any leftover income after paying your regular bills and cash envelopes
for your savings goals, these are your sinking funds, use the amount you figured out
on page 13 of this guide. List all of the things that you are saving for.

STEP #7: If you're saving this sinking fund in cash, check off the 'cash' box ,
if you're transferring the money to a savings account, check off 'savings' .

Remember, This is so you know where this money is

STEP #8: Use any leftover income after paying for your savings plan to make an extra
debt payment. If your priority is not paying down debt, then use any leftover income to
either make an extra savings contribution or leave it in your debit card as cushion.

TIP: I recommend having some cushion in your debit card to avoid any
overdraft charges with unexpected bills- I leave $200 as cushion.
 CASH(LESS) ENVELOPE TRACKER

By tracking your spending, it gives Now, when you get paid, if

you the opportunity to make your you're a cash spender, withdraw
budget successful. that cash and put it into your
Once, after completing page 12 of wallet. If you're not, leave that
this guide, you've determined which amount in your debit card while
categories in your budget are you track it.
variable expenses & you've Update the date and amount
established limits for each of those you put into each category for
categories. You have room for 6. spending.
This page will follow your paycheck As you spend, update its
plan which will depend on your pay corresponding envelope
schedule. Fill in the # you filled in digitally so you know how much
your paycheck plan: you have left to spend in each
spending category.
time to track your Once you're at zero, you have
day to day spending spent all that you've budgeted.
 EXPENSE TRACKER
Pro Tip:
Category totals:
List all your spending categories and at the
end of your tracking period, By adding up
each category, you’ll know 3 things:
exactly how much you’ve spent
if you’ve gone over/under budget
how much you’ve spent this month
versus last month
Total spent in...
Add up each column to see how much you
spent in cash, debit & credit. This will
become your total expenses in which you will
subtract from your total income- this will give
you your net balance for your tracking
period.
You have just reconciled your month!
A starting balance is something that Use digital/physical highlighters to
will always be listed on my budget identify possible budgeting categories.
recaps. This will be any money you will For example, all food transactions can be
be bringing into the new pay period highlighted red. Try to use different
including extra cash and/or cushion. highlighter colors for each category.
I suggest spending about ten minutes Then, once all of the transactions have
every night to sit down and update been highlighted, I add up each color.
your expense tracker. Check your This tells me EXACTLY (like to the penny)
accounts online, and record any where all of my money went during the
transactions that have happened. month. It's categorized, it's totaled, and
Check off if you've made the it's organized!
transaction in cash, debit or credit I then use those totals from my expense
It's essential to include EVERY tracker to retweak my upcoming budget,
transaction. Every dollar coming in make necessary changes, and cut back
(income) or going out needs to written spending in problem areas that I notice.
down. If you spend cash throughout TRACKING YOUR SPENDING IS TRIAL & ERROR,
the day, make sure to ask for receipts IT'S PROBLEM-SOLVING & IT TAKES A LITTLE
so you can use them to record your INVESTIGATION. BUT I CAN TELL YOU FROM
transactions when you get home. EXPERIENCE; IT'S SO WORTH YOUR TIME!
FILL IN DEBT & SAVINGS PLAN/MONTH
In page 14 of this guide, you used the BONUS worksheet to layout all your debts & list
them in order of priority.
In the planner, you get one of these every single month, under the savings/debt tab,
so that you can keep track of your debt payments & savings.
I like to keep track of my financial goals. You don’t only want to know how much
total went to debt during the month, but what specific debts are you paying off?
Once a plan of attack is created, your debt journey becomes less stressful.
Next is your savings plan, list the goals you set for yourself
on page 13 of this guide. Reminder
Your financial journey will
Yes, it’s nice to know how much went to savings for
the entire month, but you want to know what you're include some sacrifices but
it doesn't mean you have to
saving for specifically.
strip away all the things that
Add up the total debt you paid and the total saved to
bring happiness to your life.
get your grand totals.

@budgetdoctor | yourbudgetdoctor.com
END OF MONTH RECONCILIATION
The process of closing out your budget (figuring out where your money went during
the month) is so important. It’s going to show you if your spending is aligning with
your financial goals, what categories you should be using in your budget and for your
cash envelopes, how much to assign for your budget categories realistically and
what progress you are making.
Don’t just blindly follow a budget. Understand the reasons behind your financial
choices, and look at what your budget tells you.
At the end of every month, I take all of the information Reminder
from my expense trackers, and I organize my spending I TRACK MY BUDGET
into categories. Now, I've been budgeting for a very long
time, so I use the same categories over and over. If you
FROM THE FIRST OF EVERY
are just starting out, organizing your spending into MONTH TO THE LAST DAY OF
categories that make sense to your life, might take some THE MONTH.
time and tweaking.
NET WORTH
Tracking your net worth is essential to see your overall financial health. It's like a
snapshot of your finances for a specific period of time. You always want a positive
net worth, but there will be some instances where you might have a negative net
worth.
Your net worth is your total assets minus your total liabilities. The goal of your net
worth should be to increase it every month.
You need to increase your assets (saving money), or decrease your liabilities (paying
off debt).
List out all of your assets and their value, and then list out all of your debts or
liabilities and how much you owe for each. Your net worth is calculated by the
following formula = Total Assets – Total Liabilities.
Use the 2nd page on the previous worksheet to track your progress. If this is your first
month tracking your net worth, you might need to wait until the following month to fill
in this information.

@budgetdoctor | yourbudgetdoctor.com
SPENDING CATEGORY BREAKDOWN
Every month, I like to look at how my spending compared to the previous months. It
helps me answer the question, “Did I make progress or decrease my spending in
certain categories?”
The one category I'm always fighting is my food budget. This is the one category I
like to look at. I always try to challenge myself to spend less, and I want to make sure
that my spending is going down or staying the same from month-to-month, not
increasing.
If your income fluctuates every month like mine does, it’s also an excellent way to see
where you are compensating in your spending for those fluctuations. For example, in
February, my utilities decreased by $170. The question I like to answer is, “what did I
use more of in January versus February?”
I start with my budget for the month (how much I'd like to spend) in each category
For the difference between my budgeted amount and actual amount, I highlight it in
red if I spent more than my budget, and in green if I spent on or under my budget

@budgetdoctor | yourbudgetdoctor.com
MONEY GOALS TRACKER
This worksheet allows you to see progress when you feel like you

are not making any.

It's also a fantastic tool for creating a savings goal. I can see an

updated total of how much more I need to save to reach my

goal every month.

Once again, it's more about seeing progress than tracking. It

keeps you motivated to keep going.

@budgetdoctor | yourbudgetdoctor.com
 WEEKLY VIEW

Based on your 3 monthly goals you made in your calendar

above, come up with a weekly game plan that will help you
focus on what needs to be done in order for you to hit those
monthly, quarterly, and yearly goals.
That way, you force yourself to actually achieve those goals
with these bite sized weekly action steps.
These top 3 will be your non-negotiables and must get done by
the end of the week.
Now divide your weekly goals into daily goals and now you have
a plan for every single day
No more wondering what you're going to do everyday.
You have 7 daily view pages, click on the day of the week to
take you to it's daily page
 ANNUAL FINANCE TRACKER
Using this tracker, plug in the
numbers for every month.
This is your yearly spending
snapshot all-in-one

DAILY PAGE
Seven daily layouts with a brain dump
page for your daily planning needs
by the hour. Using a daily planning page
helps you stay focused without feeling
overwhelmed..
@budgetdoctor | yourbudgetdoctor.com
 YEARS GOALS
yearly planning spreadsheet to
map out all of your dreams and
goals for your best year ever

BLANK PAGES
Five blank pages to add
images, inserts bought from
the shop or just to be creative!
@budgetdoctor | yourbudgetdoctor.com
 Let me
build your budget
for you
Ditch money stress &
let the Budget Doctor
create your 3 month
budget for $79 USD.

You've made it till the end! If you loved reading this guide, please tag me @budgetdoctor on
Instagram stories so I can repost you enjoying the ultimate guide to budgeting!
I have a feeling you probably found AT MINIMUM 5 things that will change
the way you handle your money now and in the future.

Now that you’ve gone through this resource, it’s time to use it!
But simply reading through this resource will only get you so far.
I've done a complete flip through of the budget planner for you BUT there are only two fundamental
things that I have learned on my financial journey:

NUMBER 1: NUMBER 2:

There is no wrong or right way to budget your Being on a debt free journey doesn't just mean
money. The right way is the way that works for making debt payments. It's about having a
you. It doesn't matter what the financial experts system in place to ensure that you don't go into
are out there telling you. You have to do what debt in the future. What are you doing today with
works for you and your unique life. your money that ensures you won't have to use
debt later?

@budgetdoctor | yourbudgetdoctor.com