How to Monthly Budget Tracker – Alpaca

Thank you for choosing our money tracking template! This guide will help you set up and utilize the template effectively. Follow these steps to get started:

🌟 Getting Started: Make a Copy

When you first receive the spreadsheet, especially on mobile devices, you might not be able to edit it immediately. Here’s how to get started:

  • Make a Copy: Click on File and then select Make a copy. This will allow you to have your own editable version of the spreadsheet.
  • Hiding/Unhiding Tabs: If you find some tabs unnecessary, you can right-click and select Hide Sheets. If you need to access them again, click on the tab icon and choose the sheet you want to display.

✨ Step 1: Watch the Tutorial Video

Before diving in, we recommend watching our tutorial video for a visual walkthrough. You can find it here: Tutorial Video.

✨ Step 2: Fill in the Overview Section

  • Start from section: You can pick month from the drop-down menu, double-click to select date from the calendar and  choose your currency. You can add new currency by clicking that pen icon
  • Overview section: In this section, you only need to fill in the two empty boxes under Money left from last month.
  • Monthly goals section: Enter your goals here. As you complete them, tick the boxes and cotton candies will gradually appear as you complete each goal, based on the percentage completed.
  • Income, Expenses, Savings, and Investments section: Only enter information in the “Category” and “Estimated” fields. Do not fill in the “Actual” section.
  • Bills and Loans section: Similarly, only fill out the “Category” and “Estimated” sections. To select a date, just double-click, and a mini calendar will appear for you to choose the appropriate date.

Important Note: Do not fill in the Actual amount section; it will auto-calculate based on the data from the “Money Transaction” tab.

✨ Step 3: Update the Money Transaction Section

  • Account list: Start by entering your account details in the Money Transaction section.

  • Update daily in the Transaction Tracker: Every day, record your income or expenses in this section

  • Date: Double-click to choose the date, and a mini calendar will appear for you to pick the correct date.
  • Category and sub-category: You’ll see dropdown menus here, which contain information updated from the Overview tab. Select the appropriate category from the list.
  • Amount, description, account: Fill in these fields accordingly based on the day.

✨ Step 4: Use the Bills and Debt Payment Calendar Section

  • This sections automatically update from the Overview tab, so you don’t need to fill these out.

✨ Step 5: Reusing the Template

To reuse the template, select File > Make a copy. If you need to download it again, you can return to the original PDF you received.

❗Important Usage Policy

This template is designed for personal use only. Please do not sell or redistribute this file.

❓Need Help?

If you have any questions or need further assistance while using the template, feel free to reach out. Enjoy tracking your money and achieving your financial goals!

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