WFMW - budget

I keep my budget in a spreadsheet (in excel). I know a lot of people who use fancier ways of documenting their budgets (and uploading them with their taxes and all), but I don't do that. I do, however, have a tentative budget through the end of next year. Yep, 2011. Maybe longer, now that I think about it. :)

Why? because it is easy to keep up and I know there are things I want to try to project to. Like saving for a new car or house. Of course, I could use a software specifically for that, but I like having my spreadsheet. It works for me.

I put as much information for each month as possible. For example, all bills are recorded (house, car, gas, groceries, water, sanitation, DSL, cell, insurance, etc). So are very common miscellaneous things, like getting my hair done. Some people would think that I'm too specific in the areas I keep track of, but I really like knowing exactly where my money is going (or not going, ie, savings). I also check my balances every few days to make sure I'm on track each month.

I started out putting this in a steno pad. :) But I find that the spreadsheet works really well when I want to look forward and see how and where I might have some issues, like Christmas-time or winter electric bill budgeting.

Please go check out some fantastic Works For Me Wednesday ideas here!!!!

Peace.