How to Design Free Home Budget Spreadsheets
Using free spreadsheets to manage your home finances is a great way to keep track of family spending and budget your money. These free spreadsheets are versatile for all your budget needs.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- computer (internet ready)
- pen
- paper
- budget calculator
- spreadsheet program like excel
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1
First decide on a budget template for your home budget spreadsheets.
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2
Budget templates can be downloaded free on the internet or you can design your own format using excel tailored to meet your home budget.
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3
Next list all your income and expenses and decide on a schedule for your free home budget spreadsheets.
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4
If you are a dual income home you might divide your budget in two or combine the incomes to chart your budget spreadsheets monthly.
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5
Prioritize expenses in your home into budget categories on your free spreadsheets.
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6
Start with fixed amounts necessary to pay like mortgage, insurance, etc.
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7
Next categorize other needs in the home like utilities, groceries, etc. that are free to vary monthly.
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8
List all other personal needs and periodic expenses like home cleaning and maintenance, school, pet, clothing, etc. as discretionary expenses.
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9
Make a home budget category called emergency savings at the end of your spreadsheets to budget for unexpected purchases and to save money.
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10
Now subtract your fixed necessities and monthly home needs from your starting income and use the balance remaining for discretionary spending and savings.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Record two amounts (Projected and Actual) for each home budget category on your spreadsheets.
Be conservative with income projections and generous for expense allotment.
