Budget, but make it simple


Budgeting doesn't have to feel like homework. You don't need 40 categories or a bank connection. You need one place to log what you spend, and a clear picture at the end of the month.

What you get

📊 One monthly page with your income, spending by category, % of income and what's left over

🧾 One spending log: type what you bought, pick a category from the dropdown, done

🌈 Seven colour-coded categories you can rename to fit your life

🍩 A chart that builds itself as you log

📅 Jan to Dec tabs plus a Year at a glance, so you can spot what creeps up

💡 A "What I noticed this month" box, for one line you can use next month

🎥 A walkthrough video showing how to set it up and log your first month

Monthly and Yearly

Easy to track your monthly expenses, and it automatically updates your year overview.

Simple Charts

See a breakdown of your main categories of spending. This was eye-opening for me when I first started tracking my budget.

Simple Spending Log

I didn't want this to be too complicated, just a simple way to keep track of our money. It doesn't take more than a few minutes.

How it works

  1. Make your copy. Click "Make a copy" in Google Sheets. It's yours to keep.
  2. Log your spending. A few minutes a week, or one sit-down at month end.
  3. See where it went. Notice what surprised you, then adjust next month.

FAQ

  • What do I need? A free Google account.


  • Does it work on my phone? The template is designed to be used on a laptop, desktop or even ipad. You can technically open and use it on your phone too, it's just a bit more of a faff in my experience.


  • Does it connect to my bank? No, and that's deliberate. Adding each purchase yourself is how you start noticing patterns.


  • What currency does it use? Any. No symbol is set, but there's a note on how to easily add your own if you'd like.


  • Can I change the categories? Yes, rename them on the Start Here tab before you start logging.


  • Does it work for couples or irregular income? Yes. There are two income rows plus an "Other income" row.


  • What about next year? Make a fresh copy of the original each January.


  • Refunds: Due to the digital nature of this product, all sales are final.


Disclaimer: This template is for general budgeting and educational purposes only. It is not financial, tax, legal or investment advice, and I am not a financial adviser. Your results will depend on your own circumstances. For advice about your situation, please speak to a qualified professional.