This guide provides a detailed step-by-step explanation on how to use the Simple Budget Template to manage your finances efficiently. Follow this documentation to get started and make the most of the features provided.
Overview of the Template
The template includes 4 worksheets:
- Budget Template: The main interface for tracking income, expenses, savings, and debt with KPIs and charts.
- Setup: A settings page to customize currencies, languages, modes, and footer information.
- ReadMe: A guide on how to use the template (this documentation is part of that).
- Calculations: A worksheet displaying formulas used for KPIs and charts for transparency.
 Getting Started
- Open the Excel file and navigate to the Setup sheet first to configure your preferences.
- After setting up, move to the Budget Template sheet to input your data.
Setting Up Preferences (Setup Sheet)
Step 1: Choose Your Currency
- In the Currency section:
- Select a currency from the dropdown list (e.g., $, €, £, ¥, ₹, and more).
- If your currency is not listed, enter it manually in the provided field.
- The chosen currency will automatically reflect throughout the template.
Step 2: Select Your Language
- In the Language section:
- Choose from 17 predefined languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, and more.
- If your language is not listed, choose Custom Language and manually enter translations for template labels.
- Use the Translations section to update or add labels as needed.
Step 3: Set Template Mode
- Choose the mode that best suits your purpose:
- Default Mode: Best for presentations and viewing.
- Edit Mode: Highlights editable cells, making it easy to identify where to input data.
- Print Mode: A clean white theme optimized for printing or PDF export.
- Dark Mode: A visually comfortable black theme for extended use.
- The selected mode will automatically apply to the entire template.
Step 4: Add Footer Information
- Enter custom text for three footer columns:
- Company Information (e.g., company name, address).
- Contact Information (e.g., email, phone).
- General Information (e.g., business hours, website).
- The footer will appear on the Budget Template sheet and in printouts.
Inputting Data (Budget Template Sheet)
Section 1: Summary
- KPIs Section:
- Automatically calculates and displays:
- Total Income, Planned Expenses, Actual Expenses, and Left to Budget.
- Visual aids:
- Progress bars show the percentage completion for each KPI.
- Use the Budget/Actual radio buttons to toggle between planned and actual data.
- Automatically calculates and displays:
- Income vs Expense:
- A bar chart compares income, expenses, and balance.
- This is automatically updated based on the data you input in the tables.
- Expenses Breakdown:
- The doughnut chart divides expenses into Fixed Expenses, Variable Expenses, Savings, and Debt.
- Percentages update dynamically based on your inputs.
- Budget vs Actual:
- A clustered bar chart displays planned vs actual amounts for each category.
- View progress and identify discrepancies.
Section 2: Data Entry Tables
- Tables are provided for:
- Income: Add sources like Salary, Freelance, Rental Income, etc.
- Fixed Expenses: Add recurring expenses like Rent, Utilities, Insurance.
- Variable Expenses: Add flexible costs like Groceries, Dining, Entertainment.
- Savings: Add savings goals like Education, Retirement, Mutual Fund, etc.
- Debt: Add obligations like Credit Card Payments, Loans, and Mortgages.
- Each table contains the following columns:
- Planned: Enter your budgeted amount for the category/item.
- Actual: Enter the actual amount spent or earned.
- Difference: Automatically calculated as Planned - Actual.
- Notes: Add details or explanations for specific items.
Understanding the Calculations (Calculations Sheet)
- This sheet contains all the formulas used to calculate:
- KPIs.
- Chart data (e.g., doughnut chart, bar charts).
- Budget vs Actual differences.
- While users typically do not need to modify this sheet, it is fully accessible for those who want to customize formulas.
Printing the Template
- Use Print Mode to apply a clean, print-friendly theme.
- Navigate to File > Print and ensure the page layout is set to A4.
- The print settings are pre-configured, so your charts, tables, and footer information will print perfectly.
Tips for Effective Use
- Regular Updates: Enter your actual data periodically to keep the template up to date.
- Track Progress: Use the KPIs and charts to identify trends and adjust your budget as needed.
- Customization:
- Modify category names, add/remove rows, or tweak formulas as per your requirements.
- Use Edit Mode to identify all editable cells quickly.
- Multi-Language Support: If sharing the template with others, select a relevant language for better usability.
FAQs
Q1: Can I add more categories to the tables?
Yes! You can add rows to the tables or rename existing categories. The formulas will automatically adjust for the added rows.
Q2: Can I customize the charts?
Absolutely. All charts are dynamic and linked to the data in the tables. You can modify their design or layout if needed.
Q3: What happens if I accidentally delete a formula?
The worksheets are protected by default (without a password), so you can only edit the designated editable cells. If you accidentally delete a formula when customizing, you can refer to the formulas from the original file you downloaded during purchase.
Q4: Can I use this template in other currencies or languages?
Yes! You can select any currency or language from the Setup sheet or add custom ones.
Q5: Is this template compatible with all versions of Excel?
The template works best with Excel 2016 or later. For earlier versions, some features (e.g., advanced formatting) may not display correctly.
Q6: Can I switch between template modes without losing my data?
Yes! Changing between modes (Default, Edit, Print, Dark) in the Setup sheet only affects the display and format. Your data will remain intact.
Q7: Can I restore the template to its default settings?
Yes! Save a backup of the original template before making any changes. If needed, you can re-download the template or restore from your saved copy.
Q8: Can I share this template with others?
No, you cannot share this template. However, you can share the exported PDF versions of your budget. Redistribution or resale of this template is strictly prohibited without permission.
Q9: How do I use my own color scheme in the template?
Go to Page Layout > Themes > Colors in Excel to apply a built-in color theme or create your own custom color palette.
Q10: Can I use this template on a Mac?
Yes! The template is compatible with Excel for Mac, but ensure you're using Excel 2016 or later for full functionality.