Budget Spreadsheet vs Apps: Which Should You Use?
Torn between Excel/Google Sheets and a budgeting app? Both have their place. Here's an honest comparison to help you choose the right tool for your money management style.
TL;DR: Use a spreadsheet if you love customization and don't mind manual entry. Use an app if you want automation, mobile access, and less maintenance. Or use both: an app for daily tracking and a spreadsheet for custom analysis.
Budget Spreadsheet
Excel, Google Sheets, or Numbers
Budgeting App
Savida, YNAB, Rocket Money, etc.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | Spreadsheet | Budgeting App |
|---|---|---|
| Setup time | Hours to build formulas | Minutes to connect accounts |
| Automatic tracking | Manual entry required | Bank sync imports transactions |
| Customization | Unlimited flexibility | Pre-built categories (some customizable) |
| Mobile access | Clunky on phones | Native mobile experience |
| Data security | Self-hosted (if local) | Bank-level encryption |
| Expense splitting | Complex manual tracking | Built-in with some apps |
| Cost | Free (Google Sheets) | Free to $15/month |
| Learning curve | Requires spreadsheet skills | Generally intuitive |
When to Use Each Approach
Use a Spreadsheet If You:
- Love building formulas and custom reports
- Want complete control over categories
- Don't mind entering transactions manually
- Prefer keeping financial data offline
Use an App If You:
- Want automatic transaction imports
- Need to track spending on the go
- Split expenses with roommates/partner
- Value convenience over customization
Popular Budget Spreadsheet Templates
Google Sheets Budget Template
Google's free monthly budget template
Tiller Money
Automated spreadsheet budgeting ($79/year)
Aspire Budget
Free envelope budgeting in Google Sheets
Microsoft Excel Templates
Built-in budget templates in Excel
Best of Both Worlds: Use an App + Spreadsheet
Many savvy budgeters use both. Here's a smart workflow:
- Daily tracking: Use an app like Savida for automatic transaction imports and on-the-go expense logging
- Monthly review: Export data to a spreadsheet for custom analysis and projections
- Long-term planning: Use spreadsheets for retirement projections, debt payoff calculators, etc.
This approach gives you the convenience of automation plus the power of custom analysis.