Hey everyone! I’m trying to set up a basic budget tracker that I can use on my phone. I’ve been looking at Google Sheets as an option. Does anyone have experience with this or know of any good templates?
I’m not keen on using paid apps that need bank connections. I just want something free and easy to use for tracking my daily expenses. Kind of like a DIY version of those fancy budgeting apps, but without all the bells and whistles.
Has anyone managed to create something like this in Google Sheets? Any tips or tricks would be super helpful! I’m pretty new to spreadsheets, so even basic advice would be great.
I’ve been using Google Sheets for budgeting on my phone for a while now, and it’s been a game-changer. Here’s what works for me:
Keep it simple at first - just Date, Category, and Amount columns. You can always add more later.
Use the ‘Filter’ feature to quickly see spending by category. This helps spot where you’re overspending.
Set up a dashboard sheet with some basic charts. Pie charts for category breakdowns and line graphs for spending over time give you a quick visual overview.
One trick I love: use the ‘Form’ feature in Google Sheets to create a simple input form. It makes entering expenses on your phone super fast and easy.
Don’t forget to regularly back up your sheet, just in case. And if you’re worried about data usage, you can set the sheet to be available offline in the app settings.
It takes a bit of setup, but once you get the hang of it, it’s really powerful and customizable.
hey sophia, using sheets for budgiting works well. start with date, category and amt columns and add expenses on the go via the app. set up basic formulas to sum your entries. it’s simple and works great for tracking expensivs. lmk if yu need help
Google Sheets is an excellent choice for a DIY budget tracker. I’ve been using it for years, and it’s surprisingly versatile. Here’s what I recommend:
Create a sheet with columns for Date, Category, Amount, and Notes. Use data validation for categories to make entry easier on mobile. Set up a separate sheet for monthly summaries using SUMIF formulas to categorize expenses automatically.
For mobile use, install the Google Sheets app and pin your budget spreadsheet for quick access. You can even create a shortcut on your home screen for instant entry.
One tip: use conditional formatting to highlight overspending in certain categories. It’s a visual cue that’s helped me stay on track.
Remember, the key is consistency in logging expenses. Start simple and expand as you get comfortable with the system.