Before you start
This is not a judgment. It is not a test of whether you have too much or too little. It is a map of where money flows in your life right now — some of it yours, some of it your family's, some of it invisible because someone else has always handled it.
The goal is not to feel guilty. The goal is to see it clearly. When you are done, you will know something most adults did not learn until they were already in trouble.
↓ Download Printable Workbook (PDF)
Section 1 of 5
Your Phone and Everything On It
Your phone is probably the most expensive thing you touch every day. Most people have no idea what it actually costs because the bill goes somewhere else.
Reality Check
Go to your phone settings right now. iPhone: Settings → [Your Name] → Subscriptions. Android: Play Store → Subscriptions. Most people find at least one subscription they forgot about. That forgotten subscription is the budget lesson in one line.
Section 2 of 5
What You're Wearing Right Now
Look down. Everything on your body costs something. Even if you got it used — look up what it costs new.
Section 3 of 5
Food, Drinks, and the Little Things
Food is the sneakiest budget category. Small amounts, every day, that feel too small to track. They are not too small to track.
Section 4 of 5
Getting Around
The Car Math Nobody Does
A $15,000 car over 10 years = $125/month before insurance, gas, or repairs. Add teen insurance ($80–150), gas ($60–120), maintenance ($30–50). A car easily costs $300–450/month total. Most adults never do this math. Now you have.
Section 5 of 5
School, Activities, and Health
School feels free because the building is free. The things that happen inside and around it are not.
How Much Do You Cost — Per Month
Enter numbers above to see your monthly total and hours calculation at Colorado minimum wage ($14.42/hr).
A Few Questions Worth Sitting With
Reflection
What number surprised you the most? · What is one thing you could reduce by $20/month if you had to? · Is there one expense you feel ready to start contributing to yourself?
"You are not a burden. You are a preparation. Most people learn these numbers when they are already behind. You just learned them early. That is a significant advantage."
What These Numbers Connect To
Your budget. Your city's budget. Same document, different scale.
The organizations that receive El Paso County funding exist because of the gaps these lessons describe. The people on the boards that fund them are regular people who showed up. The rooms are nearly always empty. Showing up is a civic credential — and it goes on a resume.
Most Direct · Community Development
Community Development Advisory Committee
3rd Wednesday · 12:30 PM · 9 E. Vermijo Ave · Funds organizations serving youth like you
Broad Impact · Public Health
El Paso County Board of Health
4th Wednesday · 8:30 AM · 1675 W. Garden of the Gods Rd · Oversees health funding priorities
"A reference letter from a county board chair. A line on a college application. The specific ability to say 'I attended CDAC and submitted a written comment about youth services funding.' That is what four hours and a Wednesday afternoon can produce."
See open board positions →
Read the next agenda →
