{"id":352554,"date":"2016-04-04T10:42:05","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:42:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/consumer\/credit-banking-finance\/sample-budget.html"},"modified":"2024-03-20T09:46:44","modified_gmt":"2024-03-20T14:46:44","slug":"sample-budget","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/credit-banking-finance\/sample-budget.html","title":{"rendered":"Free Sample Budget Template: How To Create a Monthly Plan"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Free Sample Budget Template: How To Create a Monthly Plan<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/olivia-wathne-jd\/\">Olivia Wathne, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/melissa-bender-esq\/\">Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            March 20, 2024\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n<p>Embarking on a journey toward financial well-being begins with crafting a monthly budget that aligns with your financial goals. In this article, we introduce you to a Free Sample Budget Template. This budget worksheet can help you streamline your personal budgeting process and empower you with control of your finances.<\/p>\r\n<p>Whether you are a seasoned budgeting enthusiast or a novice seeking practical guidance, this monthly budget plan can help simplify&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/credit-banking-finance\/managing-personal-finances-overview.html\">managing your money<\/a>. You can easily transfer this sample budget to Excel and create a budget spreadsheet.<\/p>\r\n<p>For more information, visit FindLaw&#8217;s&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/credit-banking-finance\/personal-finance.html\">Personal Finance<\/a>&nbsp;section.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Step-By-Step Guide<\/h2>\r\n<p>Here&#8217;s a step-by-step guide on how to use the sample budget:<\/p>\r\n<h3>1. Fill in Your Income<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>In the &quot;Take home pay&quot; section, write down the amount of your&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/tax\/federal-taxes\/what-is-gross-income-.html\">monthly income<\/a>. This is the money you bring in after taxes and other deductions.<\/li>\r\n<li>If you have any other sources of income, like freelance work or a part-time job, include that amount under &quot;Other income.&quot;<\/li>\r\n<li>The &quot;Total Income&quot; field will automatically calculate the sum of your various income sources.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>2. List Your Fixed Expenses<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Under &quot;Fixed Expenses,&quot; input the amounts you spend on items like rent or&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/mortgages-equity-loans\/mortgage-basics.html\">mortgage<\/a>,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/credit-banking-finance\/credit-cards.html\">credit card<\/a>&nbsp;payments, student loan payments,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/insurance\/health-insurance.html\">health insurance<\/a>, and any other fixed expenses you may have.<\/li>\r\n<li>The &quot;Total&quot; field will automatically calculate the sum of your fixed expenses.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>3. Record Your Savings and Investments<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>In the &quot;Savings and Investments&quot; section, enter the amounts you want to distribute to your&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/wages-and-benefits\/a-look-at-401-k-plans-for-employees.html\">retirement\/401(k) plan<\/a>, vacation fund, college fund, and emergency fund.<\/li>\r\n<li>The &quot;Total&quot; field will automatically calculate the sum of your savings and investments.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>4. Note Your Variable Expenses<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Move on to the &quot;Variable Expenses&quot; section. Here, list the amounts you spend on items that may vary monthly, such as utilities, car repairs, business expenses, child care, groceries, and subscriptions.<\/li>\r\n<li>The &quot;Total&quot; field will automatically calculate the sum of your variable expenses<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>5. Calculate Your Total Expenses<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>The &quot;Total Expenses&quot; field will automatically calculate the sum of your fixed and variable expenses.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>6. Look at Your Budget<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>The &quot;Net Over\/Under Budget&quot; field will automatically calculate the difference between your total income and total expenses. A positive number means you have a surplus, while a negative number indicates a deficit.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>7. Adjust as Needed<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Consider allocating more to savings or paying down debt if you have a surplus. If there&#8217;s a deficit, look for areas to cut back or adjust to balance your budget.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>8. Review Regularly<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Regularly review and update your budget to reflect changes in income or expenses. This helps you stay on track and make informed financial decisions.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Remember, the key is to be realistic and honest about your income and spending habits to create a budget that works for you.<\/p>\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody><tr><td>INCOME<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td>Take home pay (_______________)<\/td>\r\n<td>$__________<\/td>\r\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td>Take home pay (_______________)<\/td>\r\n<td>$__________<\/td>\r\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td>Other income<\/td>\r\n<td>$__________<\/td>\r\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td>Total income<\/td>\r\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\r\n<td>$__________<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td>EXPENSES<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td>Fixed expenses<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td>Rent or mortgage<\/td>\r\n<td>$__________<\/td>\r\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td>Credit card payments<\/td>\r\n<td>$__________<\/td>\r\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td>Home equity loans<\/td>\r\n<td>$__________<\/td>\r\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td>Vehicle loans<\/td>\r\n<td>$__________<\/td>\r\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td>Life insurance<\/td>\r\n<td>$__________<\/td>\r\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td>Auto insurance<\/td>\r\n<td>$__________<\/td>\r\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td>Homeowner\/renter insurance<\/td>\r\n<td>$__________<\/td>\r\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td>Health insurance<\/td>\r\n<td>$__________<\/td>\r\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td>Other (_______________)<\/td>\r\n<td>$__________<\/td>\r\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td>&nbsp;<\/td>\r\n<td>Total<\/td>\r\n<td>$__________<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td>Savings and Investments<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td>Retirement\/401(k) plan<\/td>\r\n<td>$__________<\/td>\r\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td>Investment fund<\/td>\r\n<td>$__________<\/td>\r\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td>Vacation fund<\/td>\r\n<td>$__________<\/td>\r\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td>College fund<\/td>\r\n<td>$__________<\/td>\r\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td>Emergency fund<\/td>\r\n<td>$__________<\/td>\r\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td>&nbsp;<\/td>\r\n<td>Total<\/td>\r\n<td>$__________<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td>Variable Expenses<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td>Heat<\/td>\r\n<td>$__________<\/td>\r\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td>Electricity<\/td>\r\n<td>$__________<\/td>\r\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td>Telephone (including cell phone)<\/td>\r\n<td>$__________<\/td>\r\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td>Water and sewer<\/td>\r\n<td>$__________<\/td>\r\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td>Cable<\/td>\r\n<td>$__________<\/td>\r\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td>Internet service provider<\/td>\r\n<td>$__________<\/td>\r\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td>Car repairs<\/td>\r\n<td>$__________<\/td>\r\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td>Gasoline<\/td>\r\n<td>$__________<\/td>\r\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td>Public transportation\/parking<\/td>\r\n<td>$__________<\/td>\r\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td>Food and beverages<\/td>\r\n<td>$__________<\/td>\r\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td>Personal care (haircuts, etc.)<\/td>\r\n<td>$__________<\/td>\r\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td>Recreation and entertainment<\/td>\r\n<td>$__________<\/td>\r\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td>Medical and dental<\/td>\r\n<td>$__________<\/td>\r\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td>Charitable contributions<\/td>\r\n<td>$__________<\/td>\r\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td>Dues and subscriptions<\/td>\r\n<td>$__________<\/td>\r\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td>Pets<\/td>\r\n<td>$__________<\/td>\r\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td>School expenses<\/td>\r\n<td>$__________<\/td>\r\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td>Miscellaneous<\/td>\r\n<td>$__________<\/td>\r\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td>&nbsp;<\/td>\r\n<td>Total<\/td>\r\n<td>$__________<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td>Total Expenses<\/td>\r\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\r\n<td>$__________<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td>Net Over\/Under Budget<\/td>\r\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\r\n<td>$__________<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n<h2>Hiring an Attorney<\/h2>\r\n<p>Handling personal finances typically doesn&#8217;t need legal intervention. But if you encounter challenging financial issues, reaching out to a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/consumer-protection\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">consumer attorney<\/a>&nbsp;near you doesn&#8217;t hurt.<\/p>\r\n<table cellspacing=\"0\">\r\n<tbody><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M6 21H3C2.46957 21 1.96086 20.7893 1.58579 20.4142C1.21071 20.0391 1 19.5304 1 19V12C1 11.4696 1.21071 10.9609 1.58579 10.5858C1.96086 10.2107 2.46957 10 3 10H6M13 8V4C13 3.20435 12.6839 2.44129 12.1213 1.87868C11.5587 1.31607 10.7956 1 10 1L6 10V21H17.28C17.7623 21.0055 18.2304 20.8364 18.5979 20.524C18.9654 20.2116 19.2077 19.7769 19.28 19.3L20.66 10.3C20.7035 10.0134 20.6842 9.72068 20.6033 9.44225C20.5225 9.16382 20.3821 8.90629 20.1919 8.68751C20.0016 8.46873 19.7661 8.29393 19.5016 8.17522C19.2371 8.0565 18.9499 7.99672 18.66 8H13Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\n                              stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3418\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"No\"\n                value=\"no\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">No<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-down\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3423)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M16 0.999995H18.67C19.236 0.989986 19.7859 1.18813 20.2154 1.55681C20.645 1.9255 20.9242 2.43905 21 3V10C20.9242 10.5609 20.645 11.0745 20.2154 11.4432C19.7859 11.8119 19.236 12.01 18.67 12H16M9.00003 14V18C9.00003 18.7956 9.3161 19.5587 9.87871 20.1213C10.4413 20.6839 11.2044 21 12 21L16 12V0.999995H4.72003C4.2377 0.994543 3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\">\n        <div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Consumer legal issues typically need an attorney&#8217;s support\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    You can hire an attorney to enforce your rights for safe products, fair transactions, and legal credit, banking and related financial matters\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Legal cases for identity theft, scams, or the Equal Credit Opportunity Act can be complicated and slow. 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