Budget Planner Guide
Choose a budget planner: paper, printable, spreadsheet or app. Set it up in 7 steps, see a filled-in example and keep it going in 10 minutes a week.
Author
Malaysia
Founder of HomeBase Paper Co. I make simple, plain-language planners, spreadsheets and guides for the person who keeps the household running.
About Malaysia
I grew up in Detroit, the oldest of three, in a working family that rebuilt after 2008. My parents and siblings leaned on me for guidance, support and keeping everything coordinated. I didn't call it project management back then, but that's what it was.
I'm a graduate of Oakland University, which I worked to put myself through (it took the long way). I've worked as an executive assistant, as an HR associate and as an ABA technician working with children with special needs.
Today I'm a new mom in Frisco, Texas, building HomeBase Paper Co. with my husband, Raheim. My Christian faith shapes how I work, and I love cooking, cozy holiday seasons, hot chocolate and anything chocolate for dessert.
Read the longer version in our story.
What I write about
The guides on this site cover the parts of running a home that I've always been the one to coordinate:
- Christmas planning guides
- Thanksgiving & Friendsgiving guides
- Budgeting & saving guides
- Home organization guides
- Family organization guides
- Comparisons of budgeting apps and planners
How the guides are made
Our guides are general education, not financial, legal, tax or medical advice. Factual claims about money rules, safety and official programs link to the government agency, university or established organization they come from, and each guide lists its sources at the end. We use AI tools to help with research and drafting. Read the full editorial policy, including how to report a mistake.
Latest
Recent guides by Malaysia
Diet Plan for Weight Loss
A normal diet to lose weight, explained: calorie basics from NIH, the plate method, a 7-day plan at about 1,450 calories, a grocery list and swaps.
Easy Baking Recipes
Easy baking recipes for beginners: 34 cookies, bars, quick breads, cakes, yeast breads and savory bakes with amounts, oven temps, times and a first-5 plan.
Frozen Meals
19 healthy frozen meals from Healthy Choice, Kevin's, Amy's, Evol and Lean Cuisine, compared on protein, fiber and sodium, plus a label guide and plan.
Healthiest Fast Food
The healthiest fast food orders at Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, Taco Bell, Panera and Starbucks, with calories, protein, sodium and fiber from official guides.
Healthy Foods
A healthy foods list of 71 picks in 8 food groups, with USDA calories, protein and fiber, a plate guide, a 1-week starter grocery list and budget tips.