Budget Minding Tools

If you are like me, you’ll need some sort of tools to help you fix and mind your budget. Here are several tools that are available!

1 – Spreadsheet program – if you have Microsoft Excel or another comparable spreadsheet program, you can easily set up a budget, balance sheet, and simple cash flow statement, and use it to keep track of everything. There are also free and inexpensive spreadsheet templates that you can purchase which will help you!

2 – Quicken or Microsoft Money – I’ve used both, and while I currently use Quicken, both are great. You can set up a budget, download direct from your bank, brokerage company, and credit card companies. By creating categories, you can easily track your expenses from month to month, and develop your own reports.

3 – Online Bill Pay - Many banks now offer online bill pay, and I’d highly recommend you take advantage of it. Instead of writing out checks individually and mailing them, you can send your payments electronically. My billpay service even allows me to schedule regular payments, and they show me all of the payment due dates sequentially. It makes organization much easier!

What are your favorite tools to mind your budget?