Budgeting
Growing up and into my early adulthood, whenever I would get stressed about money, I would count my coins. I needed to feel something in my hands to remind myself that I still had something, even if it didn't add up to more than enough for lunch. Now, when I feel stressed about money, I make spreadsheets.
After changing jobs, buying a house, and having 2 kids all in within 3 years (during "unprecedented times"), I was feeling very stressed about money. It seemed like every time I turned around, I would get a new notice that my rate on something was going up. I knew I could either bury my head in the sand or I could dive head first into personal finance and try to learn something to someday be able to teach my kids how to budget and save. I found podcasts and books (my favorites - Ramit Sethi, Tori Dunlap, Doc G) that felt like they were speaking more to me and felt realistic, not advocating for total deprivation. I made a new spreadsheet and have been able to keep us out of credit card debt and pay off one of our cars.
Lately, I have gotten the impression that others may be feeling like I did and could benefit from some of what I have found. So I have put together a spreadsheet template with examples of how I budget without feeling deprived. My husband and I each get our own Guilt Free spending money every month that we are free to do with as we please. I'm currently saving for a new computer but I also keep some money for massages. My husband is using his to fund hobbies. I also built in a buffer, because let's face it, we are not perfect. I hated finding budget examples online that had you budget down to your last dollar. I know some months we want to buy something other than chicken and others we have last minute costumes days at daycare, so adding a 5-10% buffer meant we could breathe.
With all that in mind, here's what I have for you, a free budget spreadsheet, download it and make it your own. I double checked my math but please let me know if you find errors. If you love it, let me know or buy me a coffee. If you hate it, find something else.