How to Make A Monthly Budget Spreadsheet
Creating a monthly budget worksheet with spreadsheet software helps to stay organized; you can track how much money flows in and out and allot income to meet your financial needs each month. Spreadsheet calculations are simpler than doing them manually on paper or with a calculator.
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Instructions
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Download a monthly budget template for your spreadsheet software. Most makers of spreadsheet software, including Microsoft, Apple and OpenOffice, have templates that can be downloaded from their websites. Search for "monthly budget" on the website and download the one that suits your needs. When you load the template, add or remove budget categories as needed; then customize the document and format it to suit your preferences. This option demands the least amount of effort, as you can begin working on your monthly budget immediately.
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Open your spreadsheet software and create a monthly budget worksheet from scratch. Create at least several sections, including one for total net income and one for each of the different types of expenses in your budget. Under each section, create columns for "Estimated" and "Actual" expenses. Enter formulas for desired functions; the spreadsheet can then calculate these figures automatically. Save multiple copies of the worksheet for use in future months.
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Sign up for an account with a free online application to create a monthly budget spreadsheet. Online spreadsheet programs, such as Zoho Sheet, Google Spreadsheets and ThinkFree Online, often have the same features and functions as spreadsheet software you may have installed on your computer. Create your budget spreadsheet either from scratch or, in some cases, with a personal or household monthly budget template offered by the program. You may be able to access your budget document from any computer that has Web access. In some cases, the online spreadsheet may be compatible with offline spreadsheet programs, such as Microsoft Excel.
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Tips & Warnings
When estimating monthly income sources, it s often better to underestimate rather than overestimate; you may end up with a larger positive balance than you planned.
