Where did it all go?
Lesson 1 of 6 in our free Budgeting guide: a 5-minute money game with the key points below.
Reading is cool. Playing is cooler.
This lesson is a 5-minute game. Free, no sign-up needed.
The story so far
Mo: My student loan landed on Monday. It's Thursday. I have £11.40. I have been robbed.
Nana: Robbed by who, love?
Mo: …food delivery apps, mostly. And a hoodie. And pres. Okay, robbed by me.
Chip: A budget is just a plan for your money BEFORE it disappears. Let's make one.
Questions you'll answer
What's the FIRST thing to do when your loan instalment lands?
Set aside rent and bills, then split the rest by week. Yes! Fixed costs first, then divide what's left by the weeks until the next instalment.
Mo has £1,800 left for food, fun and transport after rent, and 12 weeks until the next instalment. What's the weekly budget?
£1,800 ÷ 12 weeks = £150 a week. Divide by WEEKS, not by vibes.
Quick facts
- Rent → Need. Roof over your head. Non-negotiable.
- New premium earbuds (your old ones work fine) → Want. Nice, but the old ones still bang.
- Weekly food shop → Need. You need to eat. Lobster is optional.
- A 4th streaming service → Want. You've watched the same comfort show 9 times anyway.
- Bus pass to get to placement → Need. Getting to your course/job is a need.
- Outfit for one night out → Want. A want. Valid! But a want.