Dorsey Taylor Homes
Affordable Housing & Education
Dorsey Taylor Homes
267-210-0255
RENTERS · BUDGET WORKSHEET
Monthly Household Budget Worksheet
Use this worksheet to plan a realistic monthly budget. The goal: income covers expenses with room left over to save.
Name
Month / Year
1
Monthly Income (after taxes)
Primary job (after taxes)
Second job / side income
Government assistance (SNAP, TANF, SSI, etc.)
Child support / other support
Other income
Total Monthly Income (A)
2
Fixed Expenses
These stay the same each month.
Rent
Renter's insurance
Electric (PECO)
Gas (PGW)
Water
Internet / cable
Phone
Car payment / transit pass
Car insurance
Childcare
Loan payments (student, personal)
Subscriptions (streaming, gym, etc.)
Total Fixed Expenses (B)
3
Variable Expenses
These change month to month. Estimate based on the last 2–3 months.
Groceries
Household items / cleaning
Gas / Uber / SEPTA
Medical / prescriptions
Clothing
Personal care (haircuts, etc.)
Eating out / takeout
Entertainment
School supplies / kids' activities
Pet supplies
Other
Total Variable Expenses (C)
4
Savings Goals
Aim for at least 5–10% of income going toward savings.
Emergency fund (goal: 1 month of rent)
Security deposit / next move
Down payment savings
Holidays / birthdays
Other savings goal
Total Savings (D)
The Math
(A) Income − (B + C + D) Expenses & Savings = What's Left
Total Income (A)$________
Fixed Expenses (B)$________
Variable Expenses (C)$________
Savings (D)$________
B + C + D Total Out$________
Money Left Over$________
If your “Money Left Over” is negative, look at variable expenses first — those are the ones you can adjust. If it's positive, move it into savings.
Quick Tips
- •30% rule: Aim to spend no more than 30% of your take-home pay on rent.
- •Pay yourself first: Move savings to a separate account on payday — before you spend.
- •Track for 30 days: Write down every dollar you spend for one month. Most people are surprised by where money actually goes.
- •Build an emergency fund: Even $20 a paycheck adds up. Goal: 1 month of rent set aside.
© 2026 Dorsey Taylor Homes Inc. · Affordable Housing & Education267-210-0255 · dorseytaylorhomes@gmail.com · Philadelphia, PA 19128
