📊 How to Use Google Sheets to Build a Simple Budget
📊 How to Use Google Sheets to Build a Simple Budget
Not everyone wants to use fancy budgeting apps. For many people, the easiest and most effective tool is something they already use every day — Google Sheets. It’s free, flexible, and accessible from any device. Best of all, it gives you full control over how your budget is set up.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a budget in Google Sheets that works for your lifestyle.
1. Start With a Blank Sheet
*Click to download a free simple budget template from Google Sheets.
- Open Google Sheets.
- Click Blank to start fresh.
- Title your sheet something like “Monthly Budget.”
2. Create Categories
Set up your columns to organize income and expenses. Example layout:
| Category | Budgeted | Actual | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income | |||
| Paycheck | $ - | $ - | |
| Side Hustle | $ - | $ - | |
| Expenses | |||
| Rent/Mortgage | $ - | $ - | |
| Utilities | $ - | $ - | |
| Groceries | $ - | $ - | |
| Transportation | $ - | $ - | |
| Debt Payments | $ - | $ - | |
| Savings | $ - | $ - |
This setup allows you to track how close you are to sticking with your budget.
3. Use Simple Formulas
Google Sheets does the math for you. For example:
- In the Difference column, use
=B2-C2to show how much you’re over or under. - Use
=SUM(range)to calculate totals for income and expenses. - At the bottom, create a row for Net Income (Income – Expenses).
4. Customize for Your Needs
The beauty of Google Sheets is that it’s flexible. You can:
- Add a Debt Snowball Tracker.
- Add a Savings Goal Progress Bar using conditional formatting.
- Split expenses into categories (needs, wants, savings).
This keeps your budget simple but powerful.
5. Share & Stay Accountable
One of the best features of Google Sheets is sharing. You can:
- Share with your spouse or partner so you both stay on the same page.
- Access your budget from your phone, laptop, or tablet anytime.
- Update it in real time so you never lose track of your spending.
Why Google Sheets Works
- It’s free — no subscriptions or hidden costs.
- It’s customizable — you control what’s included.
- It’s transparent — every number is visible and easy to adjust.
Budgeting doesn’t need to be complicated. Sometimes, the simplest system is the one that works best.
✅ Take Control of Your Money
At Lionhood Financial Coaching, we help clients create easy, practical systems — whether you want to use Google Sheets, an app, or a hybrid approach.
👉 Book your financial coaching session today and let’s build a budget that works for you.