setting up budget

Just wondering the best way to set up a budget...do you use software for it, or excel, or do you write it out on paper....
DH and I have both had some changes in salary and thought it would be a good time to set up a clear budget. What works best for you?

Re: setting up budget

Excel works best for me. I know where every penny goes and I have sheets set up to track my credit card debt as well.

Re: setting up budget

I work better with paper and a pen.
but i hate excel and can't figure it out, so that may be my problem

Re: setting up budget

I LOVE MS Money.

Best thing I ever started using. It not only allows me to balance my checkbook (I never kept a checkbook)... it allows me to track my spending.

It helps to be a little PC savvy to use this to its fullest potential. But its a real powerful piece of software once you know how to use it.

It can also synchronize with just about any online bank out there.