This money tracker template offers a comprehensive way to keep track of your income and expenses. Plus, it can be used as a money goal tracker to ensure you’re making progress toward your financial goals. Learn more and find out how to get the download below.
Quick—how much money did you spend last month? Not sure? You aren’t alone! A survey by Intuit revealed that a whopping 65% of Americans don’t know how much they spent last month.
Know what can help? A money tracker template! Oh, and look at that, there just happens to be one below in the form of the monthly budget tracker template. 🙂
Money Tracker Template
This four page money tracker template has space for you to record your income, expected and actual expenses, and your financial goals. It breaks down the expenses in a pretty comprehensive way, even including space for various streaming services. It gets its real power from the “Expected”, “Actual”, and “Difference” columns, which allow you to plan your spending, track it, and reconcile the difference.
Bonus: This money tracker template is great for tracking normal spending, but you may want a separate budget sheet or money tracker for certain events, holidays, or situations. Here are some to check out:
- Grocery Budget
- Wedding Budget Checklist
- Free Printable Wedding Budget Planner Worksheet
- Free Printable Budget Worksheets – Includes an event budget sheet and a Christmas gift planner budget sheet.
Money Goal Tracker
The last page of the money tracker template is a money goal tracker. It allows you to set goals for various things such as college and retirement savings, and then measure your actual progress toward achieving them. There’s also extra space on the page where you can write out your goals in more detail, which can be helpful.
For information on setting strong goals, financial or otherwise, check out the Printable SMART Goals Template (PDF Download).
Tip: If you find creating and sticking to a budget difficult, consider starting with this page, or perhaps snagging these free DIY budget binder printables, which includes a full page on financial goals.
The reason to start with the “dreaming” phase of the budget is it can help you stay motivated. For more tips on setting a budget and sticking to it, check out How to Make a Budget in Excel.
Why Not a Budget or Money Tracking App?
Wondering why you should use this template instead of a money tracking app or a budget tracking app? Great question! The answer is maybe you shouldn’t. I’m a huge fan of the budget tracker template above, but you have to find what works best for you and your family. Here’s why I love this template and think it beats the best money tracking apps around:
- It’s super simple to use; there is no steep learning curve like there is with some apps.
- It’s affordable. While this isn’t a money tracker free printable, it is frugal, and there are no reoccurring charges.
- It doesn’t require cell service, WiFi connectivity, or a charged battery.
- Taking pen-to-paper has benefits over doing stuff on screen such as increasing memory and comprehension.
If you want to research apps, doing a Google search of “best money tracking app” or “best budget tracking app” will give you billions (literally) of results to explore. You’ll find budget and money trackers free and otherwise. Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the perfect match for your needs!
More Budgeting Resources, Templates, and Printables
While this money tracker template is great, it may not be your one stop shop for budgeting needs. Here are more resources, templates, and printables to help you save and achieve financial success!
- Free Household Budget Worksheet – PDF & Excel Printable
- Free Printable Budgeting Worksheets
- Free Family Budget Template Printables
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