Managing your finances is overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to track every dollar you spend. I went there myself. Jagging bills, expenses and savings felt like an endless puzzle. But discovering the magic of budget templates changed everything.
I found that having a structured way of tracking my income and expenses would allow me to see patterns, plan future expenses, and ultimately have control over my finances. In this article we share some of the best budget templates and tools that will help you do the same.
What is a budget template?
Budget templates are pre-designed tools that help you track and manage your financial situation. It understands and organizes your income, expenses, and savings in a way that’s easy to renew.
Budget templates allow you to customize it to your specific needs, whether you have a weekly, biweekly, or monthly budget. You can simplify the process and see how much you have left to use and make adjustments as needed.
I personally found that using budget templates allows you to track spending patterns. Plus, I’ve noticed that one time this year is more expensive than the other. As a result, I was able to plan better for my future, so budgeting templates are very important.
Best Budget Template: Spreadsheet
So, what is the best budget template out there? Here is my top pick for spreadsheets:
1. Smart girl fund free budget template
Clever Girl Finance offers fantastic free budget templates in both printable and digital formats. This comprehensive tool helps you set budget categories, track them over time, and cover everything from debt to groceries.
It also includes space to track multiple revenue streams and adjust monthly spending changes. It also encourages you to think about ways to reduce costs and increase your income.
Click here to download this free budget tracking template (and more)! From there, you can start working on building your budget today!
Make sure to get a copy of the book, A smart girl’s finances: throw away debt, save money, build real wealth And the rest of the Clever Girl Finance Book series!
2. Google Sheets Budget Template
There are a variety of free budget templates via Google Sheets, suitable for data lovers. You will need to enter your spending data manually, but it is a great way to visualize and understand spending patterns.
Basic templates are a good starting point, but if you want something more specific, you can also customize your own template.
The official Google Sheets budget template can be found here. It’s pretty basic, but you can track your spending every month.
If you are interested in using this sheet, you will need to make a copy of the sheet after requesting access to the sheet. After you create a copy, you will be able to edit and track your budget in your account.
3. Microsoft Excel Budget Template
Microsoft Excel provides several budget templates that can be useful if you already have access to Microsoft 365. These templates are similar to Google Sheets, but may come with additional features if you are using the premium version. You can also create your own custom budget spreadsheet if you are familiar with Excel.
Every month I use an Excel spreadsheet to write down my purchases and determine if I’ve exceeded my monthly budget. This can be a great free option if it’s convenient for Excel.
4. Vertex42 Budget Spreadsheets
Vertex42 offers a variety of free budget spreadsheets, including personal and monthly budget templates.
These are available in both Excel and Google sheets and cover a variety of categories, including health insurance and car payments. A great resource for anyone looking for a comprehensive budget template.
Best Budget Templates: Apps
Next is my favorite budget template app:
5. Copilot (App)
Copilot.Money tracks your spending and provides real-time tips.
This tool syncs with your bank account so you don’t have to worry about manually entering it into a transaction. Automatically classify spending and provide wise suggestions based on habits.
It’s like having a budget guru in your pocket that’s always there to help you stay on track. Whether you’re a beginner on a budget or a professional looking for some additional guidance, Copilot.Money’s user-friendly interface and helpful insights will make managing your finances easier.
This is a paid tool that costs $95 a year.
6. Monarch (App)
Monarch allows you to track your spending, set goals, and team up with others. It also connects to all your financial accounts, giving you a hassle-free view of your money.
Create custom categories, set up automatic tracking, invite family members and financial advisors to join in on budget fun.
The visual dashboard makes it easy to see where your money is heading and how you are moving towards your goals. If you’re all about controlling and working with others about your finances, then Monarch is covered in your flexible and interactive approach.
The price of the monarch is $99 a year
7. Budget is required (YNAB) (APP)
The philosophy of the Budget (YNAB) is to give work to every dollar. This could be a game changer if it often feels like money is sliding your fingers.
This app uses a zero-based budget approach to help you allocate all your dollars to a specific category, tracking your spending in real time. It is a robust tool for those looking for a practical approach to budgeting and financial management.
This app runs $109 a year.
8. EveryDollar (App)
EveryDollar simplifies budgeting with a user-friendly interface that allows you to quickly build and track your budget.
Its simple design makes it easy to use even if you’re new to budgeting. This is a fuss tool that will help you stay on track without unnecessary complications.
This app costs up to $80 a year
9. Pocket Guard (App)
PocketGuard helps you manage your spending by showing how much money you left after your bill and expenses. The intuitive design includes a list and pie chart to visualize spending and budget categories, making it easy to see how you can stay within your own budget.
All of this price is $75 a year
10. simplifi (app) by Quicken
Simplifi by Quicken is trusted by leading financial publications. It provides a clear overview of spending and savings goals and features the ability to track expenses and investments.
It also provides alerts and insights to keep you informed about your financial situation. I love personal things.
As for pricing, the app runs $72 a year.
Expert Tips: Find a budget template that works for you
Finding the right budget template can make a huge difference in how you manage your finances. Test several different templates or apps to see which one suits your lifestyle and preferences.
Whether you prefer a spreadsheet or an app, the key is to choose a tool that makes budgeting easier and more effective.
What are the important features to look for in your budget template?
When you’re looking for the perfect budget template, think of it as if you’re looking for the right shoes. You want something that suits your needs.
First of all, expenses tracking is a must. Whether it’s food, entertainment, or its voluntary online shopping, you need to be able to monitor where your money is heading. That said, classifying your income is equally important. It helps you see exactly where your cash is coming from, whether it’s your paycheck, side hustle, or freelance gig.
Visual expressions such as charts and graphs are also very useful. They turn all these numbers into photos and make your financial trends easier to see at a glance. Everyone’s financial situations are different, so you need a template that can be fine-tuned to your unique needs.
Don’t forget to use it. If the template is too complicated, you may find yourself avoiding it altogether. So, look for something that’s easy and user-friendly!
How often do I need to update my budget template?
Think about updating your budget template to get your car tweaks. That’s something you should do regularly to make everything run smoothly. Aim to update your budget template at least once a month.
This way you can reflect changes in spending and income, such as that extra dinner or a new subscription service you signed up for. Regular updates help to keep your budget accurate and relevant, so you don’t fly blindly when it comes to finances.
Plus, you’ll be given the opportunity to see how well you stick to your budget and make the necessary adjustments. Keeping your budget up to date will help you stay on track and make sure you know what you always know about your financial health.
Is it better to use budget spreadsheets and apps?
Deciding whether to use a budget spreadsheet or a budgeting app depends heavily on your personal preferences.
Budget templateIt is often available as a free, downloadable spreadsheet, offering a high level of customization and precisely adjustable to your budgeting requirements. They are great for those who prefer a hands-on approach and don’t worry about entering your financial data manually.
Templates are accessible offline and are a useful option if they work frequently without an internet connection. However, there may be a lack of automation and real-time updates that many users find useful.
on the other hand, Budget app Provides financial automation and real-time tracking. These apps can sync with your bank account, automatically classify expenses, and send notifications to keep them informed about your spending.
This saves time and reduces the need for manual data entry. Many apps offer advanced features and insights that will help you understand your financial goals, but they often have a subscription or a one-time fee. The app can have a learning curve thanks to its extensive functionality and initial setup.
Ultimately, choosing budget templates and apps depends on whether you prioritize customization and hands-on approaches or automation and real-time updates.
Some individuals may even discover that using a combination of both, they leverage templates for detailed monthly tracking and even leverage apps for daily cost monitoring.
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Use these budget templates to better manage your finances!
A budgeting spreadsheet or app is a great starting point for organizing your finances. With the best budget templates and tools, you can get better control over your money and work towards your financial goals.
If you need help with budgeting, consider taking a free budgeting course to learn more about the various budgeting methods and find the best one to do.
Start exploring these templates today. I’m glad that you did it!