What should a budget spreadsheet look like? (2024)

What should a budget spreadsheet look like?

Your budgeting spreadsheet should include categories for each of your income sources, along with categories for each type of expense you need to track. Add up your income and expenses separately, and then subtract expenses from income to get the difference. You'll also want to create a category for savings.

What does a good budget spreadsheet look like?

You can generally make it as simple or detailed as you want. At a minimum, you might want to create one category for your total income and another for your total expenses. Then underneath those categories, you could create subcategories to list your types of income and expenses in detail.

How do you structure a budget spreadsheet?

How to create a budget spreadsheet
  1. Choose a spreadsheet program or template.
  2. Create categories for income and expense items.
  3. Set your budget period (weekly, monthly, etc.).
  4. Enter your numbers and use simple formulas to streamline calculations.
  5. Consider visual aids and other features.

What should be included in a budget sheet?

Common expenses to include in your budget include:
  • Housing. Whether you own your own home or pay rent, the cost of housing is likely your biggest monthly expense. ...
  • Utilities. ...
  • Vehicles and transportation costs. ...
  • Gas. ...
  • Groceries, toiletries and other essential items. ...
  • Internet, cable and streaming services. ...
  • Cellphone. ...
  • Debt payments.

What is the 50/30/20 rule?

The 50-30-20 rule recommends putting 50% of your money toward needs, 30% toward wants, and 20% toward savings. The savings category also includes money you will need to realize your future goals.

What should a typical budget look like?

Setting budget percentages

That rule suggests you should spend 50% of your after-tax pay on needs, 30% on wants, and 20% on savings and paying off debt. While this may work for some, it's often better to start with a more detailed categorizing of expenses to get a better handle on your spending.

What is the most common budget format?

The line-item budget, which is the most widely used of all budgeting systems, offers many advantages. It is comparatively easy to prepare and doesn't require sophisticated financial skills.

How to create a budget for beginners?

Follow the steps below as you set up your own, personalized budget:
  1. Make a list of your values. Write down what matters to you and then put your values in order.
  2. Set your goals.
  3. Determine your income. ...
  4. Determine your expenses. ...
  5. Create your budget. ...
  6. Pay yourself first! ...
  7. Be careful with credit cards. ...
  8. Check back periodically.

How should a spreadsheet be structured?

Data organization guidelines
  1. Put similar items in the same column Design the data so that all rows have similar items in the same column.
  2. Keep a range of data separate Leave at least one blank column and one blank row between a related data range and other data on the worksheet.

How to set up an Excel budget spreadsheet?

  1. Step 1: Download the Excel budget template. The first thing you need to do is to download the budget template. ...
  2. Step 2: Enter your income in your budget template. To enter your income, go to the "Income" sheet. ...
  3. Step 3: Enter your expenses in your budget template. ...
  4. Step 4: Add extra columns to your budget template.
Nov 14, 2023

What are the 5 basic elements of a budget?

What Are the 5 Basic Elements of a Budget?
  • Income. The first place that you should start when thinking about your budget is your income. ...
  • Fixed Expenses. ...
  • Debt. ...
  • Flexible and Unplanned Expenses. ...
  • Savings.

What is the 70 20 10 Rule money?

The 70-20-10 budget formula divides your after-tax income into three buckets: 70% for living expenses, 20% for savings and debt, and 10% for additional savings and donations. By allocating your available income into these three distinct categories, you can better manage your money on a daily basis.

What is a budget format?

“When we speak of budgeting formats, we are talking about the way in which budgeting. information is structured, the kind of information that is required to justify budget requests, and what kind of questions are asked during the budget review process” (Morgan, 2002, p. 71).

Is $4000 a good savings?

Are you approaching 30? How much money do you have saved? According to CNN Money, someone between the ages of 25 and 30, who makes around $40,000 a year, should have at least $4,000 saved.

How much should I budget for a 60k salary?

On a $60,000 salary, which roughly translates to $50,000 after taxes (depending on your location and tax rates), 60% would be about $30,000 per year, or $2,500 per month. Savings (20%): This portion should be allocated towards your savings, investments, emergency funds, or debt repayment.

Which budget rule is best?

Budget 20% for savings

In the 50/30/20 rule, the remaining 20% of your after-tax income should go toward your savings, which is used for heftier long-term goals. You can save for things you want or need, and you might use more than one savings account.

Can you live off 40k a year?

A $40,000 salary may be sufficient for an individual in a low-cost area, but it may not be enough for a family to live comfortably in most parts of the US. Rising inflation has made it more challenging to live on a $40,000 salary, but it still exceeds the poverty threshold for families.

What is a normal monthly budget?

Average Expenses of U.S. Households in 2022 and 2021
20222021
One person$3,693$3,405
Family of two$6,372$5,782
Family of three$7,189$6,597
Family of four$8,460$7,749
3 more rows
Nov 14, 2023

What is the best way to budget monthly?

50/30/20 rule: One popular rule of thumb for building a budget is the 50/30/20 budget rule, which states that you should allocate 50 percent of your income toward needs, 30 percent toward wants and 20 percent for savings. How you allocate spending within these categories is up to you.

What is the simplest budget system?

Try the 50/30/20 rule as a simple budgeting framework. Allow up to 50% of your income for needs, including debt minimums. Leave 30% of your income for wants. Commit 20% of your income to savings and debt repayment beyond minimums.

How much should your grocery budget be?

According to the USDA guidelines, you might spend $979 a month on a thrifty plan, $1,028 on a low-cost plan, $1,252 on a moderate-cost plan and $1,604 on a liberal plan. The USDA guidelines can provide a starting point for a food budget, but they don't consider all the variables that can affect cost.

How should you split your income?

The idea is you'd aim to spend: 50% of your income on needs: essential living expenses, such as rent/mortgage, bills, food, and transport to work. 30% on wants: discretionary spending, such as eating out, shopping, trips and subscriptions.

How to make a simple monthly budget?

You can use your budget every month:
  1. At the beginning of the month, make a plan for how you will spend your money that month. Write what you think you will earn and spend.
  2. Write down what you spend. ...
  3. At the end of the month, see if you spent what you planned.
  4. Use the information to help you plan the next month's budget.

How to make a budget book DIY?

Try to make a designated space for each of these things in your budget notebook:
  1. A reminder of fixed expenses (rent, phone bill, insurance, etc.)
  2. The spending categories you want to cut back on.
  3. Account usernames and passwords.
  4. A calendar for each month.
  5. A notes section.
Jan 3, 2023

What are 7 steps to a budget made easy?

Follow these seven steps to start a personal budget that can help you reach your financial goals:
  • Calculate your income. ...
  • Make lists of your expenses. ...
  • Set realistic goals. ...
  • Choose a budgeting strategy. ...
  • Adjust your habits. ...
  • Automate your savings and bills. ...
  • Track your progress.
Oct 11, 2022

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