Free Budget Templates and Tools to Get You Started

Building a budget spreadsheet from scratch can be time-consuming, and sticking to one takes consistency. The good news? There are free online tools and templates that make budgeting more manageable — whether you're planning your household expenses, prepping for the holidays, or managing small business finances.

We’ve rounded up a few reliable resources that make it easier to track your spending and stay on top of your financial goals.

How it works: Microsoft offers a wide range of pre-built Excel budget templates to save you the effort of creating one from scratch. Whether you're budgeting for your household, a festive occasion, or managing business expenses, there's a template that fits.

What we like: The variety is impressive — some templates even allow you to compare monthly income side by side, which is great if your earnings fluctuate. Excel also gives you the flexibility to tailor your spreadsheet based on your needs — whether that’s tracking daily expenses or setting savings goals. You can easily customise formulas, categories and layouts, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced users. 

Where to get it: Head to create.microsoft.com and search for "budgets" to explore and download templates. Alternatively, log in to your Microsoft account to edit the files directly in your browser.

What to note: You’ll need Microsoft 365 to open Excel files on your computer. If you don’t have a subscription, you might be able to open them using free tools like Google Sheets — but do note that formatting and features may not carry over exactly.

How it works: Google Sheets is a cloud-based spreadsheet tool that’s part of the free Google Workspace suite. It comes with several ready-made templates, including monthly and annual budgets, as well as options for business use. You’ll just need a Google account to get started, which also gives you 15GB of free cloud storage — more than enough for most users.

What we like: Google Sheets is a fuss-free, web-based alternative to Excel. You can access your budget from any device with an internet connection — whether you're on your phone, tablet, or laptop — making it ideal for on-the-go tracking. Real-time collaboration is also a plus: you can easily share your spreadsheet with family members or housemates to stay on the same page about shared finances. The free templates available in the template gallery make setup quick and simple.

Where to get it: Visit google.com/sheets and sign in with your Google account. Click on ‘Template gallery’ at the top right of the page to start browsing available budget templates.

How it works: Money Manager is a straightforward and efficient budgeting app that helps you manage your finances with minimal fuss. Using a double-entry bookkeeping system, it tracks transactions across your accounts, giving you a real-time view of your finances. You can visualise your spending by week or month using its built-in calendar, and categorise expenses like loans, insurance, groceries, and more. If you link your credit or debit card, the app can even auto-debit bills, so you never miss a due date.

What we like: This app is ideal for those who want a clear, hassle-free way to monitor their spending. The ability to link cards means you don’t have to log each expense manually, and you can set individual budgets for each category. The free version already comes loaded with useful features, while the paid version unlocks unlimited assets and removes ads.

Where to get it: Download Money Manager from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and start budgeting immediately. The app supports multi-currency settings — great if you frequently transact in different currencies.

How it works: The Institute for Financial Literacy (IFL) offers a free downloadable spreadsheet that helps users draw up a monthly budget and track their spending. The sheet is designed to compare your planned expenses with your actual expenditure, giving you a clear picture of where your money goes each month and helping you reallocate resources as needed.

What we like: This spreadsheet is especially beginner-friendly and useful for those who prefer a straightforward approach to budgeting. There are no complicated formulas to figure out, and it’s a practical way to start taking control of your monthly finances. It’s also used in IFL’s financial literacy talks and workshops, which speaks to its credibility and practical value.

Where to get it: You can download the spreadsheet directly from the Institute for Financial Literacy’s website. Just fill in your figures under the “Target” and “Actual” columns each month to stay on top of your spending.

Found a budgeting tool that looks promising? Take a moment to assess if it truly suits your needs.

Before you hit download, make sure the budgeting tool or app comes from a legitimate provider. This simple step can help you steer clear of malware, phishing scams or unreliable platforms. While the tools we’ve highlighted are from reputable sources, it’s always good practice to check user reviews and app store ratings — especially if the tool isn’t widely known. Sticking to official websites or well-reviewed apps ensures your data stays safe and your budgeting journey gets off on the right foot.

If the options above don’t feel like the right fit, there are still plenty of alternatives to explore. Maybe you prefer something more interactive than a traditional spreadsheet — like an app that gamifies budgeting. 

Many budgeting apps offer user-friendly features such as category-based tracking, spending alerts, and custom budgeting goals. These tools can make it easier to stay organised and consistent with your money habits, wherever you are.

Browsing different budgeting tools might have made one thing clear — your current budget isn’t working as well as it should. It might be outdated, too general, or not aligned with your financial goals. If that’s the case, it’s worth taking a step back to re-evaluate.

Start by understanding the fundamentals of budgeting, including the key expenses to track each month. A refreshed and more relevant budget could be the difference between falling behind and staying in control of your finances.

» MORE: Budgeting 101: Understanding Needs and Wants