Excel doc to manage debt, bills, checking, saving?

[iwantfreedom]

I am currently making monthly rent and utility payments, car payments, car insurance payments, college debt payments, and medical debt payments. I have a checking account and a savings account.

The sheer number of monthly payments I am making now is overwhelming for this 25 year old who just wants to be free of all of this nonsense. I realize I got myself into this situation, so I have only myself to blame.

I know that Microsoft Excel can really pack some power into its spreadsheets, so I'm wondering if anybody knows of a template I can use to enter in all the numbers so I can budget myself to determine how long it's going to take to pay everything off, find out how much I can reasonably save per month, and ultimately determine if I need to make any lifestyle changes (move to a cheaper place, etc.).

I found a Debt Reduction Calculator spreadsheet and some personal monthly budget spreadsheets, but they are separate documents, and I'd like a cohesive solution all packed in one. Or am I making things more complicated for myself?

I'd appreciate any advice!

[jpg7n16]

You could save the templates as separate files and then copy into the same file. For instance, save the Debt Calculator as sheet 1, and the budget template as sheet 2. Then you could use some formulas to pull info from sheets 1 and 2 into a summary tab on sheet 3.

Any amortization template will work for the debt reduction timetable (assuming no new debt is added). The debt reduction calculator should work fine.

There are some personal finance budget templates available to create a budget and see how much you can save per month.

[mike95910]

Great idea i do this alot as well

[kork13]

You could save the templates as separate files and then copy into the same file. For instance, save the Debt Calculator as sheet 1, and the budget template as sheet 2. Then you could use some formulas to pull info from sheets 1 and 2 into a summary tab on sheet 3.

That's exactly what I did... I build a set of spreadsheets on a total of 5 pages that take care of 8 different functions for me. I find it extremely useful, and because I built it myself, I can easily adjust the design at will.

Personally, if you're at all comfortable with Excel, I'd recommend either building them all separately then designing a summary page like JPG said, or sitting down and designing a single, massive spreadsheet with everything you want on it. However, I think you'll find separate pages to be easier to use, so you don't have to scroll all over the place looking for what you want.

[Little House]

I have a downloadable excel budgeting spreadsheet on my website. I use it myself to keep track of my monthly expenses. If you happen to visit my website, click on "creating a budget after a meltdown" on the right side panel. There are a few spreadsheets you can download from that post. Good luck!

[asmom]

Free Microsoft Excel Templates and Spreadsheets

[jteezie]

Use Mint.com

Really easy way to budget without having to painstakingly waste time filling out a spreadsheet for every purchase.