![]() To calculate an average, you can find the total for the past 3 months and divide the value by 3. Enter an average monthly value for Variable Expenses (monthly expenses that change from month to month, like groceries). For example, if you are planning to spend $600 for Christmas, then put away $50 each month into a special savings account, and budget $50 each month in the Christmas category. That way, the balances in your spending accounts will more closely match the balance shown in the ACTUAL column each month. If you are using the averaging approach, I strongly recommend that you use a special savings account as a holding place for these larger expenses. Include Irregular Expenses (non-monthly large lump payments) in the months in which they will likely occur, or use the approach of averaging the cost across each month. For example, enter the names of Birthdays in comments for the Gifts Given category. This is one of the benefits of using a spreadsheet. Cell comments show up as little red triangles, like the one to the left. Add cell comments as needed to help explain costs. So yes, you could probably get away with a single category for all "Entertainment", but I certainly wouldn't lump regular expenses in with variable expenses. Breaking out your expenses into specific categories will help give you a better idea of where you are spending and therefore where you may be able to cut back. ![]() If you have multiple savings goals, add a sub-category for each one. If you have a negative NET, then you'll need to cut back somewhere or earn more money. If you have extra (a Positive NET value), then you could allocate that to savings or paying off debt for example. When creating your budget, you would generally want to make the NET (Income-Expenses) equal to zero. There is a lot of information about this step inside the budget calculator Instructions worksheet, including the following:īudget Guideline #1 - Total Allocation or "It All Goes Somewhere" ![]() Step 3: Modify the Month labels as needed, depending on when you are starting your budget. Remember the note about copying/inserting entire rows. Step 2: Edit, Add, or Delete sub-categories as needed. This will usually be the sum of the balances in your spending account(s). Step 1: Enter your Current Balance as of Month 1. Please read through the instructions before asking me questions about how to use the budget calculator. Instructions: I've included a fairly extensive set of instructions and tips in the Instructions worksheet. Easy to edit/add/remove budget sub-categories (major categories not so easy, but doable).Fairly comprehensive list of budget categories.Calculates the Percentage (%) of Income for each major expense category.Actual spending for each month and each major budget category. Calculates the difference between Budgeted and Actual expenses on a monthly basis.For complete and current information on any product, please visit the provider’s website. Product information and details vary for Quebec. Be sure to review the provider’s terms and conditions for all products and services displayed on MoneySense.ca. Our Advertisers/partners are also not responsible for the accuracy of the information on our site. Advertisers/partners are not responsible for and do not influence any of the editorial content appearing on MoneySense.ca. The content provided on our site is for information only it is not meant to be relied on or used in lieu of advice from a professional. MoneySense aims to be transparent when we receive compensation for advertisements and links on our site (read our full advertising disclosure for more details). MoneySense is not responsible for content on external sites that we may link to in articles. If you read something you feel is incorrect or misleading, we would love to hear from you. While our editorial team does its best to ensure accuracy, details change and mistakes happen. While our goal is to provide accurate and up-to-date financial content, we encourage readers to practice critical thinking and cross-reference information with their own sources-especially before making any financial decisions. MoneySense is owned by Ratehub Inc., but remains editorially independent. ![]() MoneySense is a digital magazine and financial media website, featuring content produced by journalists and qualified financial professionals. ![]()
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