Managing your finances can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to keep track of every dollar you spend. I’ve been there myself—juggling bills, expenses, and savings felt like a never-ending puzzle. But once I discovered the magic of budget templates, everything changed.
I found that having a structured way to track my income and expenses allowed me to see patterns, plan for future costs, and ultimately gain control over my finances. In this article, I’m sharing some of the best budget templates and tools that can help you do the same.
What is a budget template?
A budget template is a pre-designed tool that helps you track and manage your financial situation. It organizes your income, expenses, and savings in a way that’s easy to understand and update.
By using a budget template, you can customize it to fit your specific needs, whether you’re budgeting weekly, biweekly, or monthly. It simplifies the process, allowing you to see how much you have left to spend and make adjustments as needed.
I’ve personally found using a budget template allows me to track patterns in my spending. Additionally, I’ve noticed that some times of the year are more expensive than others. As a result, I’ve been able to better plan for my future, so templates for budgeting are extremely important.
The Best budget templates: Spreadsheets
So, what are the best budget templates out there? Here are my top picks for spreadsheets:
1. Clever Girl Finance Free Budget Template
Clever Girl Finance offers a fantastic free budget template in both printable and digital formats. This comprehensive tool helps you set up your budget categories and track them over time, covering everything from debts to groceries.
It also includes space to track multiple income streams and adjust for any spending changes each month. Plus, it prompts you to think about ways to cut back on expenses or 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!
Be sure to pick up a copy of the book, Clever Girl Finance: Ditch Debt, Save Money, and Build Real Wealth and the rest of the Clever Girl Finance book series!
2. Google Sheets Budgeting Templates
There are a range of free budget templates via Google Sheets that suitable for those who love data. While it requires manual entry of spending data, it’s a great way to visualize and understand your spending patterns.
The basic templates are a good starting point, but you can also customize your own if you need something more specific.
You can find the official Google Sheets Budget template here. It is fairly basic, but it does allow you to track your spending each month.
If you are interested in using this sheet, you’ll need to make a copy of the sheet after requesting access to the sheet. After making a copy, you’ll be able to make edits and track your budget in your own account.
3. Microsoft Excel Budget Template
Microsoft Excel provides several budget templates that are useful if you already have access to Microsoft 365. These templates are similar to Google Sheets but may come with additional features if you’re using the premium version. And if you’re proficient in Excel, you can also create your own custom budget spreadsheet.
Each month I leverage my Excel spreadsheet to write down my purchases and determine how much I’ve gone over or under budget for the month. This can be a great free option if you are handy with Excel.
4. Vertex42 Budget Spreadsheets
Vertex42 offers a variety of free budget spreadsheets, including personal and monthly budget templates.
These are available for both Excel and Google Sheets, and they cover various categories like health insurance and car payments. It’s a great resource for those who want a comprehensive budget template.
The Best budget templates: Apps
Next, here are my favorite budget template apps:
5. Copilot (App)
Copilot.money help you track your spending and gives you tips in real-time.
This tool syncs with your bank accounts, so you don’t have to worry about manually entering your transactions. It automatically categorizes your spending and offers smart suggestions based on your habits.
It’s like having a budget guru in your pocket who’s always there to help you stay on track. Whether you’re a budgeting newbie or a pro looking for some extra guidance, Copilot.money’s user-friendly interface and helpful insights make managing your finances a breeze.
This is a paid tool that costs ~$95 a year.
6. Monarch (App)
Monarch allows you to track your spending, set goals, and even team up with others. It also connects with all your financial accounts, so you get a full picture of your money without any hassle.
You can create custom categories, set up automatic tracking, and invite family members or financial advisors to join in on the budgeting fun.
The visual dashboard makes it easy to see where your money is going and how you’re progressing toward your goals. If you’re all about having control and working together with others on your finances, Monarch’s got you covered with its flexible and interactive approach.
Pricing for Monarch is ~$99 a year
7. You Need A Budget (YNAB) (App)
You Need A Budget (YNAB)’s philosophy is to give every dollar a job, which can be a game-changer if you often feel like your money slips through your fingers.
The app helps you allocate every dollar to a specific category using the zero-based budget approach, and tracks your spending in real time. It’s a robust tool for those who want a hands-on approach to budgeting and financial management.
This app will run you ~$109 a year.
8. EveryDollar (App)
EveryDollar simplifies budgeting with a user-friendly interface that allows you to build and track your budget quickly.
Its straightforward design makes it easy to use, even if you’re new to budgeting. It’s a no-fuss tool that helps you stay on track without any unnecessary complications.
This app costs ~$80 a year
9. PocketGuard (App)
PocketGuard helps you manage your spending by showing how much money you have left after bills and expenses. Its intuitive design includes lists and pie charts to visualize your spending and budget categories, making it easier to see how you can stay within the budget you have set for yourself.
Pricing for this all is ~$75 a year
10. Simplifi by Quicken (App)
Simplifi by Quicken is trusted by major financial publications for a reason. It provides a clear overview of your spending and savings goals, with features to track your expenses and investments.
It also offers alerts and insights to keep you informed about your financial status. I personal ly love an alert to remind me of how I’m spending my money!
When it comes to pricing, this app will run you ~$72 a year.
Expert Tip: 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 out a few different templates or apps to see which one fits 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 for you.
What are some key features to look for in a budget template?
When you’re on the hunt for the perfect budget template, think of it like searching for the right pair of shoes. You want something that fits well and works for your needs.
First up, expense tracking is a must. You need to be able to keep tabs on where your money is going, whether it’s groceries, entertainment, or that spontaneous online shopping spree. That said, categorizing 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 gigs.
Visual representations, like charts or graphs, are super helpful too. They turn all those numbers into a picture, making it easier to see your financial trends at a glance. Since everyone’s financial situation is different, you want a template that you can tweak to fit your unique needs.
And don’t forget about ease of use. If the template is too complicated, you might find yourself avoiding it altogether. So, go for something that’s straightforward and user-friendly!
How often should I update my budget template?
Think of updating your budget template like getting a tune-up for your car. It’s something you should do regularly to keep everything running smoothly. Aim to update your budget template at least once a month.
This way, you can reflect any changes in your spending and income, like that extra dinner out or a new subscription service you signed up for. Regular updates help keep your budget accurate and relevant, so you’re not flying blind when it comes to your finances.
Plus, it gives you a chance to review how well you’re sticking to your budget and make any necessary tweaks. Keeping your budget up-to-date will help you stay on track and make sure you’re always in the know about your financial health.
Is it better to use a budget spreadsheet or app?
Deciding whether to use a budget spreadsheet or a budgeting app largely depends on your personal preference.
Budget templates, often available as free downloadable spreadsheets, offer a high level of customization, allowing you to tailor them precisely to your budgeting requirements. They are great for those who prefer a hands-on approach and do not mind manually entering their financial data.
Templates are also accessible offline, making them a convenient choice if you frequently work without an internet connection. However, they may lack the automation and real-time updates that many users find beneficial.
On the other hand, budgeting apps provide automation and real-time tracking of your finances. These apps can sync with your bank accounts, automatically categorize your expenses, and send notifications to keep you informed about your spending.
This can save you time and reduce the need for manual data entry. While many apps offer advanced features and insights that can help you stay on top of your financial goals, they often come with a subscription or one-time fee. Apps can have a learning curve due to their extensive features and initial setup.
Ultimately, choosing between a budget template and an app depends on whether you prioritize customization and a hands-on approach or automation and real-time updates.
Some individuals might even find that using a combination of both works best—leveraging a template for detailed monthly tracking and an app for daily expense monitoring.
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Leverage these budget templates to better manage your finances!
A budgeting spreadsheet or app is a fantastic starting point for getting your finances in order. With the best budget templates and tools, you can gain better control over your money and work towards your financial goals.
If you need more help with budgeting, consider taking our free budgeting course to learn more about different budgeting methods and find what works best for you.
Start exploring these templates today—you’ll be glad you did!
