Dave Ramsey–Inspired Monthly Financial To‑Do List

1. Review Your Budget (Zero‑Based)

• Give every dollar a job before the month begins.

• Adjust categories based on last month’s spending.

• Make sure essentials (food, housing, utilities, transportation) are fully funded first.

2. Track Spending + Compare to Your Plan

• Look at each category and see where you were over/under.

• Shift money between categories if needed — but stay honest with yourself.

• Identify any “leaks” (subscriptions, impulse buys, eating out).

3. Check Your Baby Step Progress

Choose the one you’re in:

Baby Step 1:

• Confirm your $1,000 starter emergency fund is intact.

Baby Step 2:

• Update your debt snowball list.

• Make minimums on all debts and throw every extra dollar at the smallest one.

Baby Step 3:

• Track progress toward 3–6 months of expenses.

Baby Steps 4–7:

• Review retirement contributions.

• Check kids’ college savings (if applicable).

• Review mortgage payoff progress.

• Celebrate generosity goals.

4. Pay Bills + Automate What You Can

• Schedule all bills for the month.

• Automate fixed expenses to reduce stress.

• Double‑check due dates to avoid late fees.

5. Plan Upcoming Expenses

• Birthdays, holidays, school events, travel, car maintenance, medical appointments.

• Add sinking funds or adjust categories so these don’t become “emergencies.”

6. Review Subscriptions + Recurring Charges

• Cancel anything you didn’t use.

• Downgrade anything you don’t need.

• Make sure nothing sneaky renewed.

7. Check Your Income + Side Hustles

• Confirm expected income for the month.

• Adjust budget if income changed.

• Review any business or side‑gig expenses.

8. Evaluate Your Financial Habits

• What worked last month?

• What stressed you out?

• What can you simplify?

9. Celebrate Wins

• Paid off a debt?

• Stayed under budget?

• Hit a savings milestone?

• Note it. Celebrate it. Momentum matters.

10. Set One Simple Goal for the Month

Examples:

• “No eating out for 30 days.”

• “Pay $300 extra on the snowball.”

• “Cash‑only groceries.”

• “Save $100 toward sinking funds.”