9 Best Free Budget Spreadsheet Templates for 2026: Track Your Money Better

DECEMBER 26, 2025MIKA L.
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Managing your finances doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. With the right budget spreadsheet template, you can track your spending, saving, and financial goals effectively.

9 Best Free Budget Spreadsheet Templates for 2026: Track Your Money Better

This guide explores the best free budget spreadsheet templates available in 2026, helping you take control of your financial future.

This comprehensive template includes monthly income tracking, expense categories, and automatic calculations. Perfect for beginners, it offers customizable categories and visual spending breakdowns. The template works with Excel, Google Sheets, and OpenOffice.

Download the Vertex42 Personal Budget Template here.

Microsoft's official budget template provides a clean, professional layout with pre-built formulas and categories. It includes both monthly and yearly views, perfect for long-term financial planning.

Download Microsoft Personal Budget Templates here.

3. Google Sheets Budget Template

Access your budget anywhere with Google's free templates. Here's how to access and use Google Sheets budget templates:

  1. Access the Template Gallery:
    • Open Google Sheets (sheets.google.com)
    • Click on "Template Gallery" in the top right, or File > New > From Template Gallery
    • Look under the "Personal" section
  2. Recommended Official Templates:
    • "Annual Budget" - Complete yearly overview with monthly breakdowns
    • "Monthly Budget" - Detailed expense tracking by category
    • "Personal Finance" - Comprehensive money management template
    • "Event Budget" - For special occasions and project budgeting

These templates can be accessed directly through Google Sheets' template gallery or through trusted financial websites that maintain their own collections of budget templates. Once you find a template you like, simply click "Use Template" or "Make a copy" to create your own version.

Created by the r/personalfinance community, this template focuses on debt payoff strategies and investment tracking. Available as a free download from the subreddit's wiki.

Download the Reddit Personal Finance Template here.

5. YNAB Inspired Template

Based on You Need A Budget's methodology, this free template helps implement the envelope budgeting system without the subscription cost.

Download YNAB-Style Templates here.

6. Tiller Money Template

A simplified version of their premium service, offering basic expense tracking and category management. Perfect for those wanting to test automated tracking.

Access Tiller Money Templates here.

7. PearBudget Spreadsheet

A streamlined, user-friendly template focusing on essential categories. Ideal for those new to budgeting who want a simple solution.

Download the PearBudget Template here.

8. Money Under 30 Template

Designed specifically for young adults, this template includes student loan tracking and first-time homebuyer savings goals.

Download the Money Under 30 Template here.

9. Bogleheads Investment Template

For investment-focused individuals, this template includes portfolio tracking and retirement planning calculations.

Download the Bogleheads Template here.

Looking to maximize your savings? Check out our guide on 18 proven ways to save money. For those wanting to cut specific expenses, explore our tips on saving money on groceries.

Final Words

Choosing the right budget template is crucial for maintaining long-term financial health. Whether you're a beginner or experienced in personal finance, these templates offer various features to match your needs. Remember, the best template is one you'll actually use consistently. Start with a simple option and upgrade as your financial tracking needs evolve. For more money-saving tips, explore our guide on financial solutions for tight months.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Budget Spreadsheet Templates

Which budget template is best for beginners?

For beginners, the Google Sheets Budget Template and Vertex42 Monthly Budget are excellent choices. They offer simple layouts, basic categories, and helpful instructions. These templates require minimal setup and come with pre-built formulas that make tracking expenses straightforward.

Can I use these budget templates on my phone?

Yes, most of these templates can be accessed on mobile devices. Google Sheets templates are particularly mobile-friendly, while Excel templates can be viewed and edited through the Microsoft Excel mobile app. Templates saved in cloud services like Dropbox or OneDrive are also accessible via their respective mobile apps.

How often should I update my budget spreadsheet?

For best results, update your budget spreadsheet at least weekly. Daily updates are ideal for keeping track of expenses, while weekly reviews help identify spending patterns and adjust budgets as needed. Monthly reviews are essential for comparing actual spending against planned budgets and making necessary adjustments.

Are free budget templates as good as paid ones?

Free budget templates can be just as effective as paid ones for basic to intermediate budgeting needs. The main differences usually lie in automated features, customization options, and support. For most users, free templates offer all the necessary features for successful budgeting.

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