How to Make a Personal Budget in Google Sheets (and Finally Feel in Control)

Step 1: Open Google Sheets and Create a New Spreadsheet

• Go to Google Sheets.
• Click Blank.
• Name it something that feels real: “My Freedom Budget” works better than “Budget Template 2025.”

Step 2: Create Your Budget Layout

In Row 1, add these headers:

Step 3: List Your Categories

Under “Category,” add your typical monthly expenses:

• Rent/Mortgage
• Groceries
• Utilities
• Transportation
• Subscriptions
• Fun
• Savings
• Debt Payments
• Misc

Step 4: Add Budgeted Amounts

Next to each category (Column B), enter how much you plan to spend.

Example:

Rent | 1200

Be real. If you always overspend on takeout, write that down. Your budget is your truth, not your fantasy.

Step 5: Track Actual Spending

Throughout the month, log what you actually spend in Column C. Update weekly or check your bank statements and plug in the numbers.

Tip: Don’t aim for perfection. Aim for clarity.

Step 6: Calculate the Difference Automatically

In Column D, enter this formula:

=B2-C2

Drag it down the column. Now you’ll see where you’re under or over each category.

Green = win. Red = warning. Awareness = power.

Step 7: Add a Total Row

Below your categories, leave a row blank, then add this:

Optional: Make it Look Awesome

• Highlight your headers
• Add conditional formatting (green if under budget, red if over)
• Freeze the top row so it stays visible as you scroll
• Color-code categories if you’re visual

Final Tips (That Actually Matter)

• Don’t skip months. Ugly budgets are better than invisible ones.
• Adjust often. Your budget is a living document.
• Add a “Notes” column if you want to reflect on mistakes or wins.
• Make a copy each month — it’s your money diary.

Why Google Sheets Works

It’s free. It’s everywhere. It’s yours. No ads. No hidden fees. Just your life, in cells and columns. Simplicity gives you clarity — and clarity gives you freedom.

About the Author

Spartan is a minimalist money strategist and digital creator who believes freedom starts with knowing where your money goes. He builds tools, stories, and no-fluff guides to help people stop surviving and start building. Find more at easypromotion.biz.

Now go. Track today’s spending. The rest of your financial life starts now.