What do you use for your budget?

**JanH** · 03-23-2007, 07:14 AM

I use excel spreadsheets and I love them. I can set up as many as I need and for different uses. I haven't been able to get used to a site importing my data from my bank and cards. I'm not totally into the computer age yet. lol. I use a sort of virtual envelope system. And I have sheets on my debts, etc. I was intrigued by Mvelopes. That was what got me to thinking about a spreadsheet, along with the people on this forum who use either the envelope method or spreadsheets or both.

**zetta** · 03-23-2007, 07:23 AM

I love the look and feel of Mvelopes, but am unhappy with the recurring cost ($120 per year).

**tinapbeana** · 03-23-2007, 07:29 AM

i use MoneyManagerEX as a checkbook register and to track my 'accounts', i use one spreadsheet to create a month-end snapshot for DH, and another spreadhseet to track grocery and household purchases (aka my sales book).

**ktmarvels** · 03-23-2007, 07:35 AM

I'm currently using MS Money. It's not the most user friendly thing I've ever used, but I am able to do a budget and track spending. I'm sure the functions I want are possible, but I just haven't put in the time or effort to find them.

**thekid** · 03-23-2007, 07:47 AM

I'm quite simple. I just itemized expense categories -short and long term- in Word document with sufficient space to track actual spending during month. Each month I reprint the document and carry forward and balances/shortfall per category.

**pearlieq** · 03-23-2007, 07:54 AM

I have one big Excel workbook that has my check register, budget, savings account tracking, and a net worth statement.

DH teases me, but I love my spreadsheets!

**newlyfrugal** · 03-23-2007, 08:02 AM

I have used several methods over the years but am currently using YNAB. I love this program! Really changed how I thought about my money and my priorities. But I am also continuing to use MS Money for account balancing and a spreadsheet for tracking my "freedom account".

Sara

**jIM_Ohio** · 03-23-2007, 08:22 AM

excel rocks

**TBH** · 03-23-2007, 08:47 AM

I was using a home-grown Excel system, which I really liked, but I found it was hard for me to find time to update it and I fell way behind. I tried to start using Quicken, but also found it was hard to find the time for. So I went back to paper and pencil, and it's working pretty well so far.

I intend to plug the totals in each category into Excel so I can easily get my yearly averages, but again, I haven't found the time!

**rduell** · 03-23-2007, 09:02 AM

For keeping track of my actual budget category expenses I use Larry Burkett's 3 ring binder and paper. For everything else I use Quicken.

**Ima saver** · 03-23-2007, 09:18 AM

I am the old gal here. Being putting my cash into envelopes for the past 42 years. Hey it works for me! I am not computer savy at all.

**MonkeyMama** · 03-23-2007, 12:05 PM

Spreadsheet.

I use Quicken to track my expenses, reconcile accounts and such, but like excel for budgeting.

**PRICEPLUS** · 03-23-2007, 03:51 PM

While I have some spreadsheets I still like the tried and true pencil and paper!

**PrincessPerky** · 03-24-2007, 04:47 PM

excell for it all...including my calender!

What do you use for your budget?