Research Guides: Financial Literacy WashU: Steps to Building a Budget

Video on Budgeting

Length: 3:33 Description: Step by step guide on building a budget.

How do I Budget?
Budgeting Apps

"A budget is a plan you write down to decide how you will spend your money each month. It helps you make sure you will have enough money every month." - Definition from Consumer.gov

Budgeting 101: How to Create a Budget
Using the 50/30/20* budget rule as a guide to building your budget.
How to Choose the Right Budget System
Finding the best budget system for yourself.
Google Sheet Budget Spreadsheets
Budget sheet templates from Google.
Personal Budget Excel Spreadsheet
Excel Budget Spreadsheet templates.

Budget Worksheet
has an embedded calculator that does the math for you as you fill it out.

* = Check Glossary for definition

Mint App
Mint is a free, safe, and simple budget tool. Track spending, investments, credit score and more.
Cost: Free.
Availability: iOS, Android.
PocketGuard
Shows how much money is available after accounting for bills, spending and savings goal contributions. It updates as you spend.
Cost: Free.
Availability: iOS, Android.
Prism
Allows users to see their account balances and bills on one platform. Bills can be paid directly from the app or scheduled for payment later. The service sends impending due date and payment confirmation notifications.
Cost: Free.
Availability: iOS, Android, Windows Phone, Windows 8, Kindle.
Albert
Keeps track of all of your accounts and provides actionable, easy-to-understand recommendations for improving your financial health.
Cost: Free.
Availability: iOS.

The 7 Best Budget Apps and Personal Finance Tools for 2019
An article on different types of budget apps based on your needs.
The 8 Best Budgeting Apps of 2019
Best Apps for budgeting in 2019