Budgeting
A Simple Family Budget Using the Self-Reliance Approach
Build a simple family budget step by step using principles taught in the Personal Finances for Self-Reliance course: track spending, plan together, and live on less than you earn.
Free help for Latter-day Saint families
Budgeting with faith, one simple step at a time
Practical guides and printables for family finances, shaped by the same principles taught in Personal Finances for Self-Reliance. No judgment, no jargon, no paywall.
Counsel togetherA 25-minute monthly family budget council, with prayer, a plan, and goals.
The approach
Four principles behind every guide
01
Pay the Lord first
Tithing and offerings sit at the top of the plan, not whatever is left over.
02
Live on less than you earn
A simple plan for every dollar, so spending follows priorities.
03
Prepare for hard times
Emergency savings and food storage, built a little at a time.
04
Counsel together
Money decisions made as a family, in a short monthly council.
Start here
Guides for every season
Giving
How to Include Tithing and Fast Offerings in Your Budget
Put tithing and fast offerings first in your family budget. Explore promised blessings, prophetic counsel, and practical ways to give with faith and confidence.
Emergency savings
How to Build an Emergency Fund, One Small Step at a Time
Learn how to build an emergency fund using self-reliance principles: start with a small starter fund, grow to several months of expenses, and protect it from everyday spending.
Food storage
A Food Storage Budget Plan That Won't Break the Bank
Build a home food storage supply on a budget. A practical plan for a three-month supply, drinking water, and longer-term storage, a little at a time.
Missions
Saving for a Mission: A Family Plan for Future Missionaries
A practical plan for saving for a full-time mission: how to estimate costs, start early, involve your child, and budget for clothing, gear, and the monthly contribution.
Debt payoff
How to Get Out of Debt as a Family: 8 Practical Steps
Learn how to get out of debt as a family with a shared budget, a realistic payoff plan, free debt tracking, and habits that keep everyone working together.
Teaching kids
Teaching Kids About Money: A Simple Plan for Every Age
Practical, age-by-age ideas for teaching children to work, give, save, and spend wisely, including tithing, simple jars, family councils, and saving for a mission.
Debt
How to Pay Off Debt as a Family: A Step-by-Step Plan
A gentle, practical plan for getting out of debt as a family: list what you owe, stop new debt, choose a payoff method, and stay motivated until you are free.
Free printable
The Family Budget Council Worksheet
Gather your family, say a prayer, and walk through your month together. One page guides the whole conversation.
- Look back at what you planned and what you spent
- Put giving first, then plan needs and irregular expenses
- Track goals for emergency savings, food storage, and missions
“Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing.”
Get one helpful idea each week
A short, practical, faith-friendly tip in your inbox each week, plus the free Family Budget Council Worksheet when you join.