Our budget is based directly off of these templates and we have used them for years in order to control our spending, show us were our money is going, and to give us timely information about the state of our finances. We have two basic templates that you can use to create your own budget. Below the video we also have links to a template that you can use to create your own budget. In the quick tutorial below you will see how we created our budget in Google Sheets and learn how to create your own. To complete our budget, we use Google Sheets. To begin with, we break our expenses down into two basic sections, wants and needs.ĭepending on your situation, you may need to edit your needs and wants, but we break them down into the following categories:īy keeping each of these areas in our budget, we are able to track our spending and determine if we really need something or if we want it. To get more specific with our budget we need to examine our costs each month. Some items, like our mortgage, or fixed, but others change depending on the month. Our expenses, costs, are what change on a month to month basis. If your income is not as predictable, we would recommend that you update your budget often to better track your income and try to find an average monthly income. We know what we are going to earn each month, and we can plan very far in advance because of this. For us, we have two general areas that we use as our starting point, income and expenses. Once you have your general areas, you can begin to get more specific with each of the areas. When you are looking to start a budget you really want to break down your areas of concern as simply as possible. You will also find links to our budget and downloads if you prefer a different version. Start by entering the data for your template and customizing the text using the toolbar menu. Let’s now dive into the process of creating a 50/30/20 budget template and later you will be able to make a template just like this that speaks to your needs. Below you will find resources to help you start your own budget along with a tutorial on how we setup our budget. How to Create a 50/30/20 Budget Template in Google Sheets. We use Google Sheets to help us keep our budget in order and with us at all times. Money Dials could include things like fitness, convenience, luxury items, travel, self-improvement , and social status.Our budget is fluid, flexible, and works for us. By honing in on your Money Dials-the things you really love to spend on-you can prioritize your spending in a way that makes sense for you. Following this logic, you categorize your expenses into essential fixed costs, important investments, savings goals, and-last but not least-guilt-free spending.īy allocating space in your budget for the fun stuff (minus the guilt), you’re more likely to stick to that budget in the first place. Instead, consider trying a conscious spending plan. Fill in the free BUDGET PLANNER spreadsheet. See our six tips before starting your budget. Lay the groundwork by compiling these financial records, as well as info on credit card debt, pension contributions and one-off spends. The truth is that living a life of constantly telling yourself “no” isn’t sustainable (or enjoyable). Gather bank statements, household bills and receipts. Many people assume that effective money management means scrounging, saving, and never enjoying life. You might also have smaller, more short-term goals, like saving for your dream wedding or buying a luxury car. Smart money management can help you achieve those objectives. You likely have some financial goals in your life, whether it’s improving your net worth, paying off your college student loans, or achieving FIRE (financial independence, retire early). But without planning for expenses, a big income can lead to big debt. But it doesn’t have to be! I spoke with a couple in episode 114 of my podcast who overspent on holidays because their earnings combined were a lot. The entire point of these tools is to simplify money management so you can think about your money less, not more.įor many people, budgeting and planning for big expenses like vacations are a struggle. Simplified spreadsheets help develop your plan, and budgeting apps, like those that automate expense tracking, help you stick to it. Finally, you need to stick to your plan.īudgeting spreadsheets and tools are great resources for creating a conscious spending plan. You then need to decide how much money to allocate to each bucket. You need to start with a bullet-proof budget, categorizing all of your expenses into one of these four buckets: fixed costs, investments, savings, and guilt-free spending. Conscious spending is a great way to enjoy life while still building a financially secure future.
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