Free monthly budget template – just for you!
I wanted to share this FREE (and awesome) monthly budget template with all of you because, well, we’re buddies, right?
(If you’re new to google sheets, no fear, it’s not too difficult. In order to use this spreadsheet, you have to make a copy. Check the directions below for saving a copy.)
Actually, I’m a spreadsheet nerd. Yep, it’s true (anyone else?). So getting my finances in order is sort of fun for me (well, as long as all of the ends meet). I had a lot of fun making this spreadsheet for my own family and thought you guys might like it too. There is a section specifically dedicated to homestead upgrades!
This monthly budget is organized by category and color-coded (yep, I’m nerding it up!) plus I added a cool little percentage feature so you can figure out what percentage of your income is going to what category. The default budget percentages are loosely based on Dave Ramsey’s recommended percentages, which I think is a good place to start, but do with it what you will!
How to Make Your Own Copy to Use!
This is a google sheet but you can use it in excel as well.
To save as a google sheet go to file>make a copy.
To save as an Excel spreadsheet go to file>download as>Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.
The left side of the spreadsheet is your budget; what you would ideally spend in a month. The right side is broken down into 12 months so you can write in the actual amount you’re spending each month.
Then you can evaluate. Are you spending more on groceries every month? Then maybe you need to increase that budget category (and decrease another).
Matt also likes to use this spreadsheet as a way of keeping track of which bills have been paid and which ones haven’t yet. He uses one color for expenses that haven’t been paid yet and another color for ones that have.
Also, check out this post on the basics of budgeting if you aren’t sure where to start.
If you have any questions leave it in the comments!
This is AWESOME! I’m totally a spreadsheet nerd, too. I have been experimenting with different ways of putting together a good one for a budget. Can’t wait to give yours a try! Thanks!
Let me know how it goes!
I couldn’t get to make a copy of the spreadsheet.
Did you follow the instructions on the top for making a copy?
Unable to load spread sheet stuck on the 50% for hours now.
I just checked this and was able to sign up and make a copy according to my instructions. I’m not sure why you’re having trouble. If you send me an email I will send you the spreadsheet directly. Just reply to any of my emails.
I also could not get a copy of your budget spreadsheet. And yes, I did follow your instructions, using your link the only selection available was to save the entire web page.
I just checked this and was able to sign up and make a copy according to my instructions. I’m not sure why you’re having trouble. If you send me an email I will send you the spreadsheet directly. Just reply to any of my emails.