Pros and Cons of Budgeting on Google Sheets

 


Summary.

Google Sheets is an amazing spreadsheet app for budgeting beginners and experts alike. However, if you're debating on whether or not Google Sheets is right for your budgeting method, here are the the top points you can consider to help you decide.


Pros.

  1. There are some Free Dashboards/Templates offered by Google. 
  2. If you want something more aesthetic and advanced, there are tons of options on Etsy. 
  3. You can integrate Google Sheets with other Google services such as Gmail, Google Drive, etc. 
  4. You have greater control over your financial data instead of importing into budgeting or finance apps. 

Cons
  1. There can be a steep learning curve if you are unfamiliar with spreadsheet formulas and App script code (scripting language used to integrate/automate Google Sheets).
  2. Tons of creators are trying to selling digital products from journals to Google Sheets templates make it very difficult to find the one that is right for your circumstances. 
  3. Some Google Sheets Dashboards can be expensive despite being a copycat of other's designs. 


Pros of Using Google Sheets.

As a dedicated Google Sheets budgeter, I know first hand how wonderful the spreadsheet app can be. I'm able to customize and design each Dashboard to my liking and most importantly of all, I'm able to build a community of fellow budgeters doing so. 

But if you're unsure and want research first, here are pros you should consider. 
Figure 1. This is our Cost Splitter Dashboard that contains integration to Gmail.
  1. Google has free budget templates. 
    • I highly recommend trying Google's free templates before you purchase any templates. This will give you an opportunity to try out Sheets and learn more about formulas.
  2. Tons of Budget Template on Etsy. 
    • Once, you're ready for a template this is more aesthetic pleasing, go to Etsy and view the plethora of options available. You can always create your own if none are to your liking. That's partly how I got started designing Google Sheets Dashboards. Remember, budgeting is not about how pretty your template is, but about owning your financial freedom and goals!
  3. Integration with other Google services. 
    • You can write App script to automate some aspects of using Google Sheets such as email a Sheets to your own email. 
    • You can also automate entering data into Google Sheets. 
    • Of course, there are other integration use cases but the two above are the ones I use most often.
  4. Greater control over your financial data. 
    • Instead of sharing your financial data with an app, you can use Google Sheets to maintain your information. 

Cons of Using Google Sheets.

There's always two sides to every coin and Google Sheets is no different. Some of these cons can be addressed by upskilling yourself and others by conducting research into the Dashboard. 

  1. Potential steep learning curve.
    • Any new app you use for budgeting will have a learning curve or phase where you gradually learn about each feature. If you're more of the DIY budgeter and want to create your own Dashboard, you'll need to become comfortable with Google Sheets formulas and UI. Luckily, Google does provide documentation and examples on their website.
  2. Too many options on Etsy to pick from.
      3. Figure 2. Too Many Options on Etsy to pick from.
    • If you're interested in purchasing a Budget Template from Etsy, please read the reviews and message the seller. As a seller myself, I love helping others decide which one of my Dashboards is best suited for the individual's finances and style.
  3. Some options on Etsy can be very expensive.
    • The other downside of purchasing a template from Etsy is not not all templates and sellers are equal. Some of the options on Etsy can be quite expensive (i.e more than $50)  despite being very unoriginal and an outright copycat. 
    • As a Google Sheets Designer, my goal is to provide superior Dashboards that you won't find on Etsy. My design and style is not for everyone and that's okay! Most of my dashboards have App Script code to automate some functions, are very colorful, and use images but that is how design Dashboards and ultimately what makes my Dashboards different from other options. 


If you have questions or suggestions, please comment below. In the meantime, Happy Planning!




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