Simple Budget Planner Template: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating a budget can seem daunting, especially when there are so many expenses to keep track of. However, with the right tools and a clear plan, it's easier than you think. In this article, we'll show you how to use a simple budget planner template to calculate your weekly budget and track your spending.

The first step in creating a weekly budget is to understand what your 'Safe-to-Spend' number is. This number represents the amount of money that you can safely spend each week without going over your budget. To find your Safe-to-Spread, start by inputting your committed expenses into the spreadsheet. Having a copy of your bank and credit card statements handy can be quite helpful.

Once you've entered your committed expenses, the template will automatically calculate the equivalent weekly amount for your income. This number is displayed at the top next to 'Average Weekly Income.' You can choose from various frequencies, including weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or semi-annually.

Next, input your regular income and expenses into the spreadsheet. The first thing to do is to get a copy of your paychecks and fill in how much you get paid. After entering your income and expenses, the spreadsheet will calculate their weekly equivalents and let you know what you can safely spend in a week.

To start, open the sheet called 'Safe-to-Spend.' This is where you'll put in all your recurring income and expenses. The template will then calculate your Safe-to-Spend number based on your income and expenses.

If you get tired of using a spreadsheet to track your weekly spending, we suggest giving our weekly budget app a try. It behaves much the same way as our app does but in a spreadsheet instead.

You can download our simple budget planner template as an Excel document (.xlsx) or open it as a Google Sheet to calculate your Safe-to-Spend and then track your spending on a weekly basis. With this template, you'll be able to easily keep track of your income and expenses and make adjustments as needed to stay within your budget.

By following these simple steps, you can create a comprehensive budget plan that helps you manage your finances effectively. Whether you're just starting out or looking to make some changes to your current budgeting system, this template is the perfect tool for you.

Simple budget planner template