Introduction to Budgeting
Budget table calculations are the tool of the future to manage your money. While some people prefer to use paper and pen, others find it more convenient to use online tools. For those who struggle with math or keeping track of expenses, user-friendly online tables can make a significant difference.
Why Budget?
Budgets often get a bad reputation because they can be time-consuming, but they are essential when it comes to building prosperity. Many people think that budgets are restrictive and prevent them from having fun, but the truth is that having a budget allows you to do more of the things you enjoy. If your goal is to have a good financial future, you need a budget to get started and stay on track.
How to Budget with a Table
A budget table is a great tool for those who want something fast and easy to use. Many spreadsheets come with help options or tutorials on the manufacturer’s website. You can also find YouTube videos that provide step-by-step instructions. There are many ways to set up a budget with a table, and it’s about finding what works best for you. Many spreadsheets come with budget templates that you can customize with your own information.
7 Free Budget Table Calculations to Make Life Easier
Here are seven free budget table calculations that can make managing your finances easier:
1. Microsoft Office – Excel
Microsoft Office has been around for years, and its programs can make your life easier. Many people have access to Excel through work or school, so why not use it to create a budget? Excel allows you to start from scratch and adjust the template to fit your needs. You can also find Excel budgeting templates online to make it easier to get started.
2. Google Drive – Google Sheets
If you don’t have access to Microsoft, Google Sheets is a great alternative. It works similarly to Excel, but be careful when transferring data between the two. Google Sheets has a template gallery that includes monthly and annual budget templates to make it easy to get started.
3. Mint
Mint is a free budgeting site that allows you to create a budget table without doing a lot of work. It has helpful tools such as expense tracking, bill tracking, and loan monitoring. You can link all your accounts, including credit cards and loans, to get a comprehensive view of your finances.
4. Vertex42
Vertex42 is a great resource for free budgeting tools. It has a range of spreadsheets that are compatible with different systems, including Excel, Google Sheets, and LibreOffice. There are also videos available to help you get started with each spreadsheet.
5. Nerdwallet
Nerdwallet is a popular personal finance website that offers a free budgeting table. It recommends using the 50/30/20 budgeting method, which allocates 50% of your income towards necessities, 30% towards discretionary spending, and 20% towards saving and debt repayment.
6. It’s Your Money
It’s Your Money offers a range of free and paid spreadsheets to help you manage your finances. You can find spreadsheets for cash flow budgeting, expense planning, and more.
7. Tiller
Tiller is a great option for online budgeting, offering practical integration with your bank accounts. You can connect your account and start with a foundation template to categorize your expenses.
Budgeting Apps Compared to Printable Spreadsheets
When it comes to creating a budget, you have the option to do it by hand or electronically. It’s all about your preference. If you’re new to budgeting, you may want to start with a template table. You can find printable budget templates online that list the important budget categories and are ready to be filled out.
Avoiding Challenges
One of the main challenges of budgeting is staying consistent and on track. To avoid this, make budgeting a part of your daily routine. Set aside time to fill out your budget, and soon it will become a habit. It’s also essential to prioritize your finances and make realistic goals.
Other Budgeting and Saving Money Ideas
There are many ways to save money, including:
Budgeting by Hand
Some people prefer to budget by hand using printable templates. This can help you track your expenses and make you more mindful of your spending.
Getting Cashback
You can earn cashback on your purchases using apps like Ibotta and Rakuten.
Using Coupons
Browser extensions like Honey and Kashkick can help you find coupons and discounts automatically.
Conclusion
Budgeting is a personal and necessary step towards saving money and achieving financial freedom. Whether you like it or not, budgeting should be a part of your lifestyle. A budget table can make budgeting easier by automatically formatting everything for you, instead of using a printable monthly budget template by hand. By using one of the free budget table calculations mentioned above, you can take control of your finances and start achieving your financial goals.