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STEP 4 OF 8 · EVERYONE

Budgeting and everyday money

A simple plan makes a tight month easier.

  • ⏱ 3 min read
  • Everyone
  • Step 4 of 8
  • Reviewed 27 October 2026
ExamplemonthRentabout 38%Foodabout 16%Travelabout 10%Bills and phoneabout 12%Study and examsabout 9%Savings and funabout 15%Illustrative shares only, not advice.
An illustrative monthly budget (yours will differ).
  • List fixed costs first: rent, bills, travel, phone.
  • Include one-off costs: exam fees, GMC fees, books and, for some, an elective.
  • Keep a small buffer for surprises.
  • Free, impartial help is available from MoneyHelper.

Simple tools

  • A spreadsheet or banking app is enough to track spending.
  • Set up standing orders for rent and bills.
  • Check regularly that you are not paying for unused subscriptions.

Your checklist

  • Made a monthly budget

This page is general education, reviewed 27 October 2026. Rules, fees and dates change: always confirm with the official sources below. It is not medical, legal or immigration advice.