I need a good family budget program for my computer. We're horrible with our $$$ & need help creating a system

Answer 1

A software program can't help you create and stick to a system; it really just tracks what you're already doing. Here is what I would do to create and implement a budget (excel works great for this exercise):

1. Type your monthly net income in the first cell.
2. Type the amount you want to save/invest in the cell below that. This should be in addition to your 401k contribution which was already taken out of your paycheck.
3. Subtract and see how much you have leftover to spend. This is what you have to work with each month.
4. List all your FIXED expenses next. Utilities, mortgage/rent, phone, cable, internet, utilities, etc. Get it all down there.
5. Subtract the fixed expenses from the "Leftover" amount you came up with in step 3. This is how much you have left to spend on discretionary things--like food, gas, clothing, entertainment, etc.

You can play with the numbers to figure out how much you can afford to spend/save based on various adjustments. Or make two columns-one for your ideal budget and one for where you are now.

I personally set aside the amount I come up with in step 5 in a separate account each month. My bills are all paid and investments made from my primary checking account. That way I know I don't spend more than that on discretionary items.

Good luck!

Answer 2

I truly prefer keeping my budget in Excel. I do my financial account tracking in Quicken.

Excel allows you a lot of flexibility is you are good with the program. If you are not terribly experienced, then I would recommend starting low-tech with a sheet of paper, and a list of your expenses.

Answer 3

Do you have excell? If not get it.....
One column is your collective income.....2nd column is your steady bills.....per month, per week...
Then delete the two and see how much you have left for play....
Give yourself a grocery budget, and spending budget...try to put $25 per week in a saving account and not think about it.....you will see in one year you have saved a good amount of money for a trip or something you want...
Writing things down makes things become tangible...
good luck

Answer 4

A very simple and good buget program is called Just Money, order on the internet and I think it costs about $20.00. Start watching your money today and don't buy an expensive program till you us this cheap one for at least 6 months.

Answer 5

Quicken is a relatively easy yet powerful personl finance program.

Answer 6

Microsfot Excel is a good program to keep track of your money.

Answer 7

I like Quicken because it's all set up for you...put the numbers in...rename the budget templates for whatever you need...does all the calcs for you..nothing to figure out yourself... lol...I wanted something SIMPLE. :)

Good luck!

Answer 8

I use MS Excel