Ready to create a simple budget template and take control of your money? In this article we’ll take you step-by-step through the process of making a budget plan that meets your needs while keeping your financial goals in sight. For the hands-on users, you’ll find a link to a free printable budget planner , or a quick-start budget template for anyone who wants the heavy lifting already done for them.

Do I Really Need a Budget?

You might be wondering if you actually need a budget—and the very word gives you a headache. Have you tried a budget spreadsheet in Excel or Google sheets thinking it was going to make your monthly budget simple? Instead, it got more complicated?

Here at YNAB (yeah, we’re one of the cult-favorite budgeting apps!), we don’t see weekly or monthly budgets like you might think. It’s not about restricting spending, but more about lining up your spending with what you prioritize.…