Family money planning pack

Build a household plan you can revisit each month. This printable companion explains how to use the Family Money Matters workbook and gives you space to plan.

How to use this pack

Allow 30–45 minutes for a first pass. You do not need perfect numbers: label estimates clearly, note missing information and update as circumstances change. The Excel workbook provides editable calculations; this pack helps you interpret the results.

Four practical steps

1. Map the next 12 months

Write down take-home income, expected changes to parental leave pay, housing costs, childcare, debt payments and essential spending. Mark which figures are confirmed and which are estimates.

My next action

2. Stress-test the plan

Compare an ordinary month with a reduced-income month. Ask what happens if childcare starts earlier, a car needs repairs, or one parent cannot work temporarily.

My next action

3. Set three priorities

Choose one immediate action (this week), one medium-term action (this quarter), and one longer-term goal. Record the amount, deadline and who will do it.

My next action

4. Review together

Agree a 20-minute monthly check-in and revisit assumptions whenever pay, childcare or housing changes.

My next action

Questions worth answering

☐ What are our essential monthly costs?

☐ How many months could our accessible savings cover?

☐ Which upcoming expense is most uncertain?

☐ What information do we need before considering financial protection?

My 30-day action plan

Choose no more than three actions and assign a date and person responsible.

Trusted places to learn more

MoneyHelper: moneyhelper.org.uk
GOV.UK: gov.uk (childcare and parental leave)

General UK financial education only. Not personalised financial, legal, tax, care or regulated product advice. Information and eligibility rules can change. Seek appropriate professional support for decisions affecting your circumstances.