Actual vs Budget
See how your spending stacks up against your plan.
Compare your budget to your real spending in real time. Instantly know where you are on track and where to adjust.
Budget tracking that actually helps
Know exactly where every dollar went, compared to where you planned it to go.
Setting a budget is step one. Knowing whether you actually stuck to it is step two, and that is where most budgeting apps fall short. They give you a number to aim for but no clear way to see how close you landed.
FreeBudget's actual vs budget tracking puts your plan and your reality side by side. For every category, you see what you budgeted, what you actually spent, and the difference. Green means you are under. Red means you went over. No ambiguity, no guesswork.
Your reports & charts updates in real time, so you do not have to wait until the month is over to course-correct. If you notice you are trending over in dining out by the 15th, you can tighten up for the rest of the month. That kind of mid-month visibility is what turns a budget from a wishful plan into a practical tool.
You can also look back at previous months to see trends over time. Are you consistently overspending in one area? Is your grocery budget realistic or do you need to adjust it? The data tells the story.
Everything you need to track your budget
Side-by-Side Comparison
See your planned budget and actual spending next to each other for every category. Instantly spot where you are over or under.
Real-Time Updates
Your report updates as transactions come in. No waiting until the end of the month to see where you stand.
Category Breakdown
Drill into each category to see exactly which transactions pushed you over or kept you under budget.
Monthly Totals
See your total budgeted amount vs total actual spending at a glance. Know if you are on track overall.
Visual Fill Bars
Color-coded progress bars show how close you are to each limit. Helpful tooltips show you exactly how much you are over or under budget.
Export Your Report
Download your actual vs budget report as a PDF or CSV for your records, tax prep, or financial advisor.
Frequently asked questions
What is an actual vs budget report?
An actual vs budget report compares the spending limits you set for each category against your real spending during the same period. It shows you where you stayed on track and where you went over, making it easy to adjust your approach for the next month.
How often does the report update?
The report updates in real time as new transactions come in. You do not have to wait until the end of the month to see how you are doing.
Can I view past months?
Yes. You can view actual vs budget reports for any previous month where you had a budget set. This is useful for tracking trends and seeing how your spending habits change over time.
Can I export the report?
Yes. You can download your actual vs budget report as a PDF or CSV file. This is helpful for record keeping, sharing with a financial advisor, or preparing for tax season.
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