Assess learners' ability to apply budgeting techniques to design, implement, and adjust a personal monthly budget to achieve short-term financial goals (1–12 months). Items will require categorizing income and expenses, setting SMART goals, using methods such as zero-based, envelope, or percentage budgeting, forecasting cash flow, identifying discretionary cuts, reallocating funds after income changes or unexpected costs, tracking progress, and justifying adjustments based on trade-offs and priorities.