Why people still use Excel for budgeting
The spreadsheet is the most widespread budgeting tool. Excel, Google Sheets, LibreOffice Calc: millions of households use these programs to track expenses. The reasons are simple:
- It is free (or already included in an office suite)
- You fully control the structure
- Formulas allow custom calculations
- No need to create an online account
Yet spreadsheets have structural limits that make them hard to maintain long-term, especially when managing a budget with someone else.
The limits of spreadsheets for family budgeting
Time-consuming maintenance
A budget spreadsheet requires regular investment. You must:
- Create categories manually
- Update formulas when a line is added
- Check that totals are correct
- Rebuild charts every month
These recurring tasks usually end up falling on one person, who eventually gives up.
The sync problem
When a couple shares a budget via Google Sheets, version conflicts and notifications can become annoying. Someone edits a cell while the other is looking at it, colors display differently on mobile, and complex formulas slow down loading.
Lack of clear visualization
A spreadsheet is a grid of numbers. To get a chart or visual indicator, you must manually create pivot charts. Most users never do this, depriving the couple of an intuitive view of their budget.
Joint account management
The joint account is often managed in a separate file, or even in a simple phone note. There is no automatic link between the forecast budget, actual spending and movements in the shared account.
What a dedicated budget app does better
An interface designed for mobile
Unlike a spreadsheet made for a computer screen, a responsive web app adapts to your phone. You can check your budget on the subway or add an expense right after paying at the supermarket.
Automatic visualizations
Budget apps automatically generate breakdown charts, progress bars by category and planned vs actual comparisons. These visual elements instantly communicate the state of the budget without reading effort.
Synced access for the couple
Each household member has their own credentials and consults the same source of truth. No shared file to sync, no version conflicts, no fear of breaking a formula.
Reminders and regular reports
Some apps send monthly email reports, automatically reminding you of upcoming expenses and gaps compared to the forecast. This automation replaces the manual work of updating a spreadsheet.
Side-by-side comparison
| Criteria | Spreadsheet (Excel/Sheets) | Dedicated app |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | Long and technical | Immediate |
| Couple sync | Difficult | Native |
| Visualizations | Manual | Automatic |
| Mobile | Poorly adapted | Optimized |
| Backup | Self-managed | Secure cloud |
| Data export | Easy | Often possible (CSV) |
| Cost | Free or included | Variable (often freemium) |
The trap of banking apps
Many think a banking app or account aggregator replaces a budget. This is false. These tools show where money went, but not how much is left relative to a goal. They do not manage forecasts, partner charge splitting, or joint account tracking.
Why Homybudget remains a credible alternative
Homybudget sits between the rigid spreadsheet and the intrusive banking app:
- No bank connection: you enter expenses manually, your banking credentials never leave your bank
- Free without ads: no freemium, no data selling
- CSV export: you keep control of your information
- Hosted in France: your data stays on French territory
The spreadsheet remains an excellent tool for number enthusiasts. For couples who simply want to know where they stand each month without maintenance, a dedicated app saves considerable time.