We have created a budgeting template to send to our nurses prior to moving to the US to help them budget for the cost of living once they have arrived. We wanted to share the template with all of our working nurses, because it can also be used as a monthly budgeting tool once you are settled and working, to help keep track of how much you are spending per month and how much to allocate or cut back per category.
Below is a blank template that you can print and fill out manually, as well as a template that currently has estimates & US averages per category, for you to download online and edit with your own monthly expenses.
Blank Family Budgeting Template Links to an external site.(to print off)
Family Budgeting Template Links to an external site. (to download/make a copy to edit online)
Quick guide to using Google Sheets Online
- In order to be able to edit the document you must go to "Files" (below the documents title on the left hand side) -> click "Make a copy" -> and it will open the document in a new tab where you are the owner of the document, able to edit and change the template as you please.
- We have color coordinated the document to hopefully make it as easy as possible to use.
- Columns B and C are the only columns that you should be editing and inputting numbers.
- The only spaces that you should edit were left white, we have made any box that you should not edit gray (and yellow).
- The gray boxes have a math equation imbedded, and will calculate correctly based on the number you input to the right of it (in column C).
- The yellow boxes also have math equations imbedded, that will calculate the categories based off of the numbers you input.
- There are instructions on the document as well to help guide you for best use under column D labeled "Nurse Instructions"!
- Column E labeled "Source/formula" shows you what formula is imbedded to calculate your monthly cost for that category.
- Helpful tips:
- If you mess up or are not sure what you did, use the back arrow in the top left corner to undo your most recent change.
- You can always make a new copy from the original template if you want to start over.
- If you only edit numbers in white spaces on columns B and C, you will not mess up any equations, calculations or data on the template.
- There are multiple youtube videos and websites that will go more in depth on how to use google sheets if you are interested to learn!
We hope this is helpful for anyone who is interested in budgeting! This is not necessary to use, and some of you may already have your own budgeting tools and websites that you like better.
Disclaimer:
- Not all categories on this sheet will be relevant to you and your family.
- Just leave those categories at "$0"
Budgeting is the key to financial success. It’s important to know your income, what expenses you have, and what additional spending/saving money you will have. Financial planning is important to you and your family’s success.
If you are looking to save money, the first step is to limit spending on unnecessary items. Buying coffee at a coffee shop, eating at a restaurant, and shopping are examples of ways you may be spending money that can be saved. For example, by making coffee at home, you can save up to $750 per year.
You can easily cut costs while food shopping. The cheapest stores to buy food and hygiene items are Walmart, Aldi, Target, or bulk stores like Costco, BJ’s, and Sam’s Club. You can use their websites to find the cost of items to ensure you are buying at the lowest price. Coupons and advertisements are often available on their sites to see what sales or coupons may be available for specific items.
To learn more about what specific budgeting tool works best for you, visit this article from NerdWallet.com or view related articles to the right.