Budgeting spreadsheets are a collection of financial data for a person, family or company created within a base computer program. Budgeting spreadsheets are often the most simple way to keep track of your monthly budget.

There are many different types of budgeting software, but the spreadsheet is the one that many people find most helpful. Spreadsheet software is widely available and comes standard on most personal computers. Programs such as Microsoft Excel, iWork Numbers, and OpenOffice can keep track of a budget.

These programs work by arranging the budget so that it is easy to follow, while also performing calculations with rudimentary formulas as needed..

Budgets are used to keep track of income and expenses. In a spreadsheet, it is easy to lay out all of the information and make a plan that the individual can stick to. It is up to the individual to update the spreadsheet with financial information as needed, otherwise it is useless to try and keep a budget.

The individual must be aware of the financial changes and change the spreadsheet accordingly. Some people shy away from spreadsheets that do not have date-shifting capabilities, but there are still spreadsheet programs that do offer date-shifting so it is easier to plan a budget and not have to move or reenter information at the end of the month..

Budget spreadsheets usually show detailed views of income and expenses over a twelve month period. It is easy to follow a budget that is laid out in a year's time so that the individual can monitor spending with ease. Date-shifting also helps the individual because it will save the time and effort to have to rework the budget..

Budgeting and forecasting : Budgeting spreadsheet