In this exercise we will create a monthly budget using the “Financial Worksheets” Excel file that we’ve worked with in previous exercises. As we learned in the readings and activities for this module, a budget is just a plan of the money we expect to receive and spend over the next month, quarter, year, or whatever period we use for the budget. In this case, we’ll make a monthly budget which is one of the most common types.
Dave Ramsey, a personal finance author, radio host, and television personality has this to say about budgets (from “The Money Answer Book”):
“The word ‘budget’ has gotten a bum rap. It basically is just a plan. When you budget you’re just spending on paper, on purpose, before the month begins. The problem is that many people view a budget as a kind of straightjacket that keeps them contained….However, when you see that a budget is just spending your money on purpose and with intention, you’ll actually experience more freedom than before you budgeted. Many people report finding more money than they thought they when they create a realistic budget and stay with it.”
You may find this a helpful and motivating thought to keep in mind during this exercise. Please follow the steps below to create your monthly budget.
Open the “Financial Worksheets” Excel file that you worked on and saved to your computer or electronic storage device in the last module.
Click on the “Comprehensive Budget Instructions” link below and save the instructions PDF document to your computer or electronic storage device.
https://sdccd.instructure.com/courses/2395430/files/133174916/download?wrap=1
Follow the step-by-step directions on the “Comprehensive Budget Instructions” sheet to create your own comprehensive monthly budget in the Financial Statements Excel file.
Save the “Financial Statements” Excel file to your computer or an electronic storage device.
Sample Solution
