What should you include in your monthly budget?

Establishing a budget is not very complicated: it simply requires writing down your total revenue, and then subtracting your total expenses in order to arrive at the amount that is left over and available.

It’s important to list everything that goes into or comes out of your account. Be honest and realistic because that’s the only way to have an accurate picture of your finances. Leaving certain things out could skew the results, making the exercise ineffective.

Suggested budget categories to include in your blank monthly budget spreadsheet

Define your income

The income column should include all sources of income, such as:

  • Your net salary (yours and your spouse’s, if applicable)
  • Alimony (if applicable)
  • Rental income (if applicable)
  • Government or other benefits (if applicable)
  • Retirement pensions (if applicable)
  • Investment income (if applicable)
  • Tax refunds (if applicable)
  • Any other source of income

List your expenses

The expense column must include all expenses related to your personal consumption or lifestyle, such as:

  • Rent or mortgage payments
  • Food expenses
  • Transportation costs (gas, transit pass)
  • Recurring bills (electricity, telephone, Internet, television and other recurring costs)
  • Insurance payments (car, home, etc.)
  • Credit card payments
  • Unreimbursed health care expenses
  • All other expenses (shopping, SAQ, restaurants and entertainment, gifts, car care, hairdresser, skin care, kids’ extracurricular activities, etc.)

Once you complete your monthly budget sheet, you’ll have a precise and true picture of your finances. Then you can start to set goals and plan your monthly budget for the short, mid and long terms.

March 16, 2026

Similar resources

Parent accompagnant son enfant dans ses devoirs pour combattre la démotivation scolaire au Québec
September 16, 2026 Tutoring and Academic Support

10 tips for combating a lack of motivation in school 

September 15, 2026

RESP withdrawals: strategies to optimize your withdrawals and reduce taxes

Enfant qui perd confiance à l'école : guide parents Québec
September 4, 2026 Tutoring and Academic Support

How to motivate your child at school when they’re losing confidence