Would anyone be willing to share what their monthly budget looks like? Basically how much you spend and if you use any programs to track it.

You don’t have to list out each item but looking more for a general number each month.

Excel, I haven't found any apps I like the format the way I want the data displayed. Plus with those apps you're the product not the customer.


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We spend a lot on the mortgage, school, utilities and such.
Most other spending is done on a credit card which is a good wat to track it and get some type of reward.

YNAB app, basically electronic envelope system. Has really changed how I view the lump sum in my bank account.

Mine all goes to gas these days..

Excel is great advice and great because you have to be active with it. I’ve tried other services where the app tells me everything but those didn’t emotionally register to affect change like entering your own transactions into a line then seeing you were cash flow negative because of those purchases. Tracking your pay via excel can also be motivational making it easy to compare years, quarters and months. I consciously worked more last 4th quarter because it is always my worst quarter.

+1 for YNAB. It has a learning curve but it’s the operating system for our financial life.

I don’t use automatic import either so I get the “tactile” experience of manually updating the accounts.

I have an elaborate budget in excel. Which my wife participates in developing and then ignores.

IMO creating your own "app" does help with your awareness of where the money goes. I have one sheet for expenses and another for income.

It's also useful for future projections and what-if scenarios since you can save copies and tweak numbers.

If you go to Google and type "free budgeting spreadsheet" you'll be surprised at how many awesome free excel spreadsheets you can download. That's what I use. I check it monthly and update things based on quality of life, and how much I am saving, etc. PM me if you want more advice.

Thanks for the advice. But I also want to hear how much you guys are spending each year? Is it $50k? 100k?