The Budget Spreadsheet
March 15, 2009
This week I sat down in front of my computer and tried to budget out what the whole trip would cost me. I used the skills I learned in Paul Dayboll’s spreadsheet class, to input and add the data.
I did this because I was panicing. I felt like I was just spending money left, right and centre without knowing how much money I was going to have left. I had three separte sheets one was for the totals (i.e. food, attractions, transportation, hostels). Next I made more specific sheets. What exactly would the hostels cost us, and what would the attractions that we wanted to do cost us?
I found that making the spreadsheet not only made me feel more comfortable with my money, but also made me feel comfortable with where my money is going.
I would reccomend this method of budgeting to anyone who is thinking of taking a major trip. It will ease your mind, and you can send it to your travel partner so they will also have a budget to work from. When you make your buget spreadsheet don’t forget to include a miscellaneous section as there will definitely be items you forget to include. I made my miscellaneous section $1000.
Budgeting may sound like a boring, tedious task, but it will help you out in the long run.
Amen sister! I love doing budgets escpecially for large ticket events. I had the most fabulous budget for my wedding and it was the best tool for ensuring that I stayed within budget but also for ensuring that I spent my money where I deserved to. (i.e. on food and drink)
While I think budgeting is important you would be well advised to include monies for travel insurance and other potential crises. You never know when you may need a replacement suitcase!?!
I wish you the best in your future travels. Take lots of pictures.
I love reading your blog and pretending that I’m actually the one going on this trip! It sounds so amazing and I’m glad you got your budget figured out and you are feeling better about it. I will, in the future, use Paul and your advice and try to come up with a spread sheet budget. Maybe for the thousands of dollars I owe to CIBC!
Thanks for the suggestion. I think I may try this approach.
I have been attempting to put myself on a strict budget for months now with no avail. I admit that part of the reason is because I don’t like to deny myself anything. Perhaps I can adhere to a self-made spreadsheet if I put some effort into it. Effort shouldn’t be hard because that spreadsheet assignment was hard for me. I wouldn’t want to make one for no reason.
I think this sounds like a great idea, Elise. I’m terrible when it comes to budgeting, but I think it’s something I need to invest time in next time I plan a trip.
Your blog will be a great resource when I start planning my Euro trip.
I can’t wait to read your posts following your return. Take lots of pictures!