In recent years, the most responsible individuals and families have been monitoring their finances by utilizing printable budget worksheets or a free budget template. After the devastating recession that occurred during the final quarter of 2007, many realized that money was not to be strewn about for unnecessary items like luxury SUVs, grandiose mcmansions in ritzy cul de sacs, and ordering out for dinner nightly. During the recession, even the most innocent budget minded citizens suffered because of the irresponsible spending habits of the materialistic masses. Arguably, however, the majority of blame might rest upon lending institutions, and corporate CEOs who continued to reward themselves hefty bonuses, despite lackluster company performance.

While it probably is not right, and is even pointless, to attempt to place blame for the recession of 2007 on specific individuals and entities, the lesson learned by everyone, hopefully, is to be more responsible with their finances. As such, printable budget worksheets, printable family budget templates, and generic budget templates for free provide useful tools for people who are trying to become more financially responsible. In the days before computers, debit cards, and the internet, it was often much easier to keep track of purchases than it is today. This is because one generally paid with cash or by check; and therefore, one glance at the check register allowed people to see exactly how much money they paid, and how much was left in their bank accounts. However, with the conversion to debit cards and other forms of electronic payment, it has become easier to lose track of personal spending.

While technology should make it easier to keep track of your money, this is simply not the case. It is too easy to whip out the debit card for even the smallest purchases, and since electronic payments do not show up instantly, one often must estimate how much money remains in the bank account. As such, printable budget worksheets and family budget worksheets allow responsible spenders to plan their budgets, spend accordingly, and keep a running record of their expenditures. Since many printable budget worksheets are free, it is cheap and easy for anyone to take significant steps toward financial responsibility and stability. While resorting to printable budget worksheets or a free printable budget worksheets template may seem archaic, sometimes the old fashioned way is still the best way of overcoming technological flaws.