Budget Map

[mommyof4]

Has anyone here tried using the Budget Map system? I've seen it on the internet, and it looks like something I might be interested in, but I hate shelling out $30 to be disappointed. I'm old fashioned, too- I prefer the pencil and paper way of keeping track of my check registers, budget, etc. This Budget Map looked like a good modified pencil/paper method of keeping track of my budget. Any thoughts?

Thanks.

[KGeary]

Has anyone here tried using the Budget Map system? I've seen it on the internet, and it looks like something I might be interested in, but I hate shelling out $30 to be disappointed. I'm old fashioned, too- I prefer the pencil and paper way of keeping track of my check registers, budget, etc. This Budget Map looked like a good modified pencil/paper method of keeping track of my budget. Any thoughts?

Thanks.

You don't need gimmicks to manage your money. The pen and paper system works just fine. If you don't like writing, use the keyboard with excel method. Both are free.

[maat55]

You don't need gimmicks to manage your money. The pen and paper system works just fine. If you don't like writing, use the keyboard with excel method. Both are free.

I second this advice.

[mommyof4]

OK, thanks.

[PetMom]

I would not spend money for a gimmick to save money that you could do.

Looks like they just took the pen and pencil method and charted it in a convenient size to be in your checkbook (what about when people use a debit card?).

You could actually make something like this yourself to attach to your checkbook or keep close by in your purse or wallet.

[tripods68]

Quicken Online is free. Download it from your bank account.

[Judi Dial]

I know someone, in another $ saving group, that bought budgetmap. She gave all but one of the check registers to other members of her family. Then she took the idea and duplicated it in Excel on her computer. So the one-time payment she made to budgetmap helped a lot of people.

However, I agree! I'm not willing to spend money to make money, or not very much. I just bought Dave Ramsey's Money Makeover book, but our local library doesn't have a copy. I intend to donate it after I read it!

JD

[mommyof4]

Thank you all for your advice. I think I'm going to just stick with my home made budget sheet for now, and put off any non-essential purchases until after Christmas.

[snafu]

I was able to download a copy of Budget Map from internet and I believe you can do likewise. It's a simple system that you can easily duplicate on Excel. It will only be helpful if you are committed to filling in the rectangles each and every month.

I found it helpful because you track totals between Both the specific expenditures and the monthly sums you deduct in your cheque book register. It keeps you aware of occasional, irregular expenses and upcoming financial events. For example if you pay car insurance annually you have a visual of the need to set aside those dollars so that you're not smacked when the bill arrives in the mail.

If you print it, have it copied poster size, and hung on the wall, the family will have a visual of their fiscal circumstance.

[mommyof4]

I was able to download a copy of Budget Map from internet and I believe you can do likewise. It's a simple system that you can easily duplicate on Excel. It will only be helpful if you are committed to filling in the rectangles each and every month.

I found it helpful because you track totals between Both the specific expenditures and the monthly sums you deduct in your cheque book register. It keeps you aware of occasional, irregular expenses and upcoming financial events. For example if you pay car insurance annually you have a visual of the need to set aside those dollars so that you're not smacked when the bill arrives in the mail.

If you print it, have it copied poster size, and hung on the wall, the family will have a visual of their fiscal circumstance.

Great idea! Do you remember where you downloaded it from?

[snafu]

mommyof4: tried to e-mail U but failed. Unable to copy link budgetmap.com which has samples of many variations.
I modified their headings to suit my circumstances on a very simple Excel to just add totals horizontially and vertically using a 12 column grid


Date Condo Ins. Utilities Food Amex MC Auto Misc Travel/Ent Balance

[aust99]

I use some free software called "Simple Budget." it makes keeping track of my budget so much easier, especially making changes.

[PetMom]

Snafu thanks for tip and I also like the idea of a poster version!

My sister and her husband attented a Dave Ramsey event and came home and put up in a wall size chart their financial goals a la the DR program - they got their emergency cash fund in almost no time. That really focused them so much that I was impressed and of course, intently studied their wall chart whenever I visited them. I have been meaning to do that.

That would be great an actual budget with categories to put on the wall for family to view and be constantly reminded of $$$ goals.

Any 'reluctant' family members cannot avoid looking at a huge poster whereas sitting them down at the table for budget night results in a lot of no shows and suddenly busy people.

[snafu]

PetMom, budget map is a complex, fold-out, not easily replicated in a chequebook register but easy on Excel.

The 1st year we used the back of a glossy poster DKs not longer wanted. We use a 'flip chart' pad, 12 category boxes drawn horizontally, and 12 months vertically. Some rectangles are slashed on angle from upper left to lower right so 'cost avoidance' can be acknowledged. This year I've tried to put those actual sums in savings but it's been hit 'n miss! Even DKs [teens] have stayed with the programs without much whinging.

We've always hung these posters near the bedrm door, in the private part of our home away from non family.

This year Zero Based Budgeting is working better. In that system, anything left over [less anything not yet cleared] moves from chequeing to savings because there is a minimum required to sweep into Money Mkt. Money Mkt buys MF when there is sufficient to buy 100 units.

[KatieNK]

I use some free software called "Simple Budget." it makes keeping track of my budget so much easier, especially making changes.

Where did you get this? Thanks