I've found that using Google Sheets for budgeting is highly effective because it's customizable and accessible from anywhere. You might want to start with a simple template that includes columns for your income, fixed expenses, variable expenses, and savings. From there, you can add features such as charts or graphs to visualize your monthly spending trends.
One useful tip is to set up automatic calculations within the spreadsheet to see what percentage of your income is going toward different categories. This can help highlight areas where you might slash back. Also, consider setting up alerts or reminders to update your spreadsheet regularly, which will keep your financial overview accurate and meaningful.
Lastly, there are plenty of free templates online that offer a variety of layouts and functionalities—take some time to explore these options to find one that fits your specific needs!