Take control of your finances with these 6 FREE printable budget worksheets perfect for beginners or anyone looking to make smarter financial decisions!
This article is informational only and should not be taken as financial advice. See my full disclosure here.
A few years ago, SunTrust released a survey showing that almost a third of people earning more than $75,000/year live paycheck to paycheck at least some of the time. It seems crazy, but is it really all that hard to believe?
As we start earning more money, we tend to start spending more too. You might buy a nicer car or home, eat out more often, or buy expensive clothes.
Whatever it is, the story ends the same way. You’re making more money. but your financial situation hasn’t really changed. You are still living paycheck to paycheck. It sounds pretty bleak, like you’re destined to be barely scrapping by forever, but it doesn’t have to be that way!
Look:
The best way to finally get ahead and start saving money is to create a realistic budget. It sounds so basic, but it is absolutely crucial to breaking the paycheck to paycheck cycle. When you make a plan for your money, you know exactly where your money is going and how much you can afford to spend.
A good budget will help you curb overspending, reach your financial goals, and put you in control of your money once and for all! Imagine not having to stress over your bank account’s balance every single month – it’s a beautiful thing!
Printable Monthly Budget Worksheets Template
Okay, now that you are pumped and ready to take control of your money, you may be wondering…
How do I make a budget? It seems complicated.
Well, that’s a very good question. The first step is to identity your financial goals. Do you need to save more money for your retirement? Or maybe you are trying to free up cash to pay down debt? Whatever it is, you need to set clear financial monthly goals for yourself.
Next, you need to see how much you are spending currently and where it may be possible to cut spending.
To do this:
- Go through your bank/credit card statements for the prior month.
- Choose one of the printable monthly budget templates below and write in how much you spent last month for each of the categories listed. If you have other expenses you can list them in the “other” column or print out a blank template if you wish to create a more custom budget.
- Finally, identity areas where you are overspending. When you create your budget for the next month, you can redirect that money toward your savings goal.
This takes a little time, but it is an absolutely critical process. There are two benefits with this exercise. One, you clearly see where you are spending too much money. Two, you can create a realistic budget that you can follow successfully.
Monthly Budget Worksheets
Now that you know exactly how much you are spending every month, it’s time to create a budget that helps you achieve your financial goals.
When you are creating your new monthly budget, remember to take into account the areas you have been overspending. Try reducing them on your monthly budget gradually as you become accustomed to spending less. All of the money you save will then be put toward your financial goals.
Here is a simple printable budget worksheet:
Next is a slightly different monthly budget template. On this worksheet, there is a line for “Snowball Debt Payment.” If you are paying off debt, this is a great method to try.
*See the bottom of this article for more information about the Debt Snowball Method.
Below you will find two copies of this monthly budget template. The first includes common expenses for each category and the second is blank. Choose which one works best for you!
Here is the first one with common expenses already listed:
And the blank version:
Editable Monthly Budget Worksheets PDF
If you prefer to keep everything on the computer, I created this free editable monthly budget worksheet PDF as well. I like printing things out personally, but I know some of you like to keep everything on the computer 🙂
Just click the picture below, download the PDF, open in your PDF reader, and then get to work!
Next up, I have a few other worksheets to help you stick to your budget.
Check them out:
Christmas Budget Worksheet
Raking up debt during Christmastime is so common these days, it’s almost expected. But it doesn’t, and shouldn’t, be that way. Making a Christmas budget is a great way to ensure that you don’t spend more then you have during this potential expensive season.
Between two and four months before Christmas, use this budget worksheet to help you plan the perfect, debt-free holiday. It’s an easy way to create a game plan for all the extra expenses that happen during this time of the year.
Debt Snowball Worksheet
This final printable budget worksheet is people trying to pay off debt.
The debt snowball method from Dave Ramsey is a great tool for people struggling to pay down debt. It’s effective because it targets the biggest flaw in most debt payoff strategies – lack of motivation.
Motivation is so important when you’re paying off debt. For most of us, paying off debt will require sacrifice in some other area of our life (eating out at restaurants has been the hardest thing for me to give up).
When the willpower runs out, and it will eventually, you need something to help keep you moving in the right direction. That is exactly what the debt snowball method provides.
This simple spreadsheet will help you keep track of your loans and your debt snowball template. For more information, check out this article: The Debt Snowball Guide.
I hope these printable budget worksheets help you create a budget that works for you and your family. Learning to stick to a budget takes practice, and you will overspend sometimes. It happens to all of us, but don’t give up! Remember your goals, and keep working toward them. Your financial freedom is so worth it!
Want More Money Saving Ideas and Inspiration?
For more money saving ideas, check out these other great posts. They are full of important information to help you take control of your finances!
11 Money Saving Challenges To Super Charge Your Savings Account!
How to Easily Save $10,000 in One Year: Step by Step Plan for Success!
How to Plan the Perfect No Spend Challenge (With Free Printable)
18 Super Creative Ways to Save Money Every Month!
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