budget vs actual dashboard spreadsheet
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An Excel dashboard comparing budgeted spending against actual spending, with variance formulas and plain-language notes. For freelancers managing monthly business costs.

WHAT IT IS
Instructions sheet, Dashboard sheet with budget, actual, variance, percentage and automatic notes.

HOW TO USE (5 STEPS)
1. Enter each spending category with its monthly budget.
2. Enter what you actually spent in the Actual column.
3. Read the Variance column, calculated as budget minus actual.
4. Read the Note column, which flags over, under or on budget automatically.
5. Review the totals row to see your overall position for the month.

REQUIREMENTS
Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets or LibreOffice Calc.

NOTE
No prices and no tiered plans are included. This is a working tool, not a demo.