Money Spreadsheets
Financial software is great but it’s often too expensive. That’s why I started creating my own spreadsheets as a college student. Amazingly, these spreadsheets were so good that I still use them to this day. Below are a few of my favorites that have helped me save thousands of dollars every year and invest for retirement. Come back as I’ll post more spreadsheets covering a wider range of topics.
The spreadsheets should work in Excel, Open Office, and Google spreadsheets. While the spreadsheets are mostly self-explanatory, here are a few additional steps that you might find helpful.
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- To password protect files, read the following instructions: Excel, Open Office
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I also have one favor to ask of you. If the spreadsheets on this site help you, then please consider helping out by donating to mindyourdecisions.com.
Why donate? These spreadsheets will help you save thousands of dollars if not more. And they will save you hundreds of dollars you would have spent buying commercial software. A donation, even as little as $5, will serve as a great “thank you” and provide ongoing support for the development of new spreadsheets that can help you save money.
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Disclaimer: These tools are educational and recreational. Consult a professional before making a financial decision.
2010 Free budget spreadsheet and expense tracker
Preview | Download (5,000+ downloads from Jan 2008 – Jan 2010)
More: Read how tracking expenses can help you become a billionaire
Know where you’re money is going–can it get any simpler? Most of us underestimate spending and overestimate take-home pay. It’s a bad combination that usually leads to debt. Take two minutes a day and figure it all out. The spreadsheet “the simple expense tracker” is extremely simple but it has lots of features, like custom categories and automatic monthly and yearly summaries. Best of all, you keep your financial data stored on your own computer.
APR-APY converter
Preview | Download (1,000+ downloads as of June 2009)
More: Read how understanding APR and APY can save you money on bank loans and investments
Feel better about saving and borrowing by getting the facts right. This spreadsheet converts between APR and APY, two common ways the interest rate is quoted. Banks and lenders quote rates in both APRs and APYs. Convert all rates to one type so you can compare apples to apples.
Tax checklist printable spreadsheet
Preview | Download Spreadsheet | New! Download printable pdf
More: Read why a tax checklist is a good idea
Are you ready to file your taxes? You may want to double-check you have all the relevant documents. Consult this tax checklist of some of the more common items you’ll need before using tax software or going to a tax professional.
Spreadsheet to keep track of checking funds
More: Read about how this spreadsheet can save you checking overdraft fees
Was payday today or last week? It’s hard to keep track of all the financial data in your head. Write it down so you never overspend from your checking account. Plus, keep track of outstanding checks so you don’t get surprised if one of your lazy friends decides to cash it unexpectedly.
Do market swings matter? The timing of investment returns
More: Read how understanding market swings can help you save for retirement
Do market swings matter? There is a lot made about recessions and rallies. But they may not matter as much as you think, if you are a long-term investor and you invest in lump sums. This spreadsheet demonstrates why losses now or later can have just as much impact on your portfolio.
