Personal Finance Tracker

Planning personal finances matters if one wants to have financial security and limit stress. If one does not have a plan, it is possible that they will make impulsive decisions that can negatively affect their financial stability. With proper personal finance planning, one will have more discipline to handle their resources in a better way so that they can fulfill their goals.

The document can be used to simplify financial planning so that it does not seem overwhelming. A personal finance planner can be considered here to help you manage your financial resources.

What is a Personal Finance Planner?

This is a document that aids people in tracking their finances, i.e., their income. It notes your expenses and can help you handle any debt that you have. With the help of this Excel sheet, you can establish saving goals. Generally, the document helps you monitor your overall financial health.

Importance of a Personal Finance Planner

Those who do not want to end up in debt and waste money where it is not required will find this planner useful. The following are some reasons why a personal finance planner is important:

Know your financial situation:

You will get a realistic idea of your financial situation. This will include stuff like your income, expenses, any debts, as well as assets that you have. You can then figure out any unnecessary spending, potential threats, missed chances, etc.

Handle debt:

The details in the planner will help you identify whether you are in debt. You can then pursue strategies to handle this and not be in the same situation in the future. You can plan to pay off the debt.

Set goals:

The planner helps you set realistic goals. This may include stuff like saving for a kid’s education. You will get an idea of how much money you need to save for every objective.

Financial discipline:

If you have a proper financial plan in place, this can instill discipline. You will have an idea of how to use your money in a better way. By following a proper plan in place, you will know what to do.

Limit stress:

When you have control over finances and know what your situation is here, you can better prepare for uncertainties. You will feel more confident knowing that your money is being used wisely, which can help reduce financial stress.

(An Excel template for help)

Personal Finance Planner Template for Excel

A personal finance planner is a tool, document, or system designed to help individuals manage their money, track expenses, set financial goals, and make better financial decisions.

What to Include in a Personal Finance Planner?

A personal finance planner needs to have a proper structure so that it is easy to use and understand. The following are some points that can be kept in mind when making this planner:

Select an application:

  • Choose a reliable application that allows you to perform all the necessary financial calculations.
  • Microsoft Excel is a great option, as it provides
    • Built-in formulas for budgeting, savings, and expense tracking.
    • Customizable templates for creating a personal finance planner.
    • Charts and graphs to visually analyze income, expenses, and savings goals.
    • Flexibility to update and adjust financial plans as circumstances change.

Professional format:

  • The planner should have a formal and professional format while maintaining an easy-to-use and simple to understand.
  • Avoid irrelevant details to keep the planner clear and focused.
  • The heading of the planner can be titled “Personal Finance Planner”.
  • Divide the planner into sections, grouping similar points under one heading for better organization.
  • Suggested sections include:
    • Personal information
    • Income & expenses
    • Savings & investments
    • Debt management
    • Net worth summary
    • Notes/additional text

Assets:

A section for assets will have a column for assets and another one for value. You can then note down all your assets in separate rows and their value. This may include stuff like personal residence, vehicles, savings accounts, stocks, etc. At the bottom of the table, you can calculate your total assets.

Income:

A section for income will note down all your sources of income in separate rows, and the value of these under the value column. This can include income from a job, an online source, etc. The total income can be calculated.

Liabilities:

This section will mention your liabilities and their value. Points here will include stuff like mortgage loan balance, vehicle loan balance, credit card balance, personal loans, medical debt, etc. The total liabilities can then be calculated.

Future goals:

You can have a section for this where you note down any future goals you have related to personal finances. This can include stuff like paying debts, having an emergency fund, etc. You can note down the value of these as well.

A personal finance planner can help you manage your finances in a better way so that you avoid debt and have money when needed.