How are you tracking your spending?
So for the last year or so I’ve been using an Excel spreadsheet to track my finances. The only reason I’ve been using Excel is because my PC emulator on my iMac kept getting an error so I couldn’t access my Quicken program in Windows XP (Quicken was the only reason I even had a PC emulator on my computer in the first place). I had Quicken for Mac that I could have used, but for those who have tried it before, you know just how awful it is. It is seriously just a piece of garbage. Quicken also had a web version but it wasn’t very robust. Not sure if they still have it available. But I used that for about 2 seconds.
Now that I have my new MBP, I had a PC emulator installed, and I also just installed Quicken Home & Business in Windows 7.
So there’s my dilemma. Do I go back to Quicken, which I think is the best personal finance software on the market (and do all the boring, tedious admin work to set up and import my accounts) … or do I stick with my Excel spreadsheets because it’s already established and comfortable and I can easily make my monthly spending reports for this blog.
I don’t want to use both, that would just be lame.
Right now I’m leaning towards Quicken if I can figure out how to export a monthly spending report, or create one with little to no effort on my part.
What are you using to track your money? Quicken? Excel? Writing it on paper? Something else?
44 Responses to “How are you tracking your spending?”
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Well I use Excel and I find it really easy since I created the worksheets for me. I have briefly used Quicken Online, but it seems to be gone now. I haven't really used Quicken before so I don't know how good it is. But if you feel it would be good, I say make the switch.
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Well I use Excel and I find it really easy since I created the worksheets for me. I have briefly used Quicken Online, but it seems to be gone now. I haven't really used Quicken before so I don't know how good it is. But if you feel it would be good, I say make the switch.
My recent post The Ethics of Online Shopping
I use Excel too. I am able to create any equations I need and it's simple. I don't think tracking should be a lot of work right? I know my expenses are rather uncomplicated, so if you have a mortgage, car payments, student loans, credit card loans and insurance payments, I could see the merrit in Quicken. I think it all boils down to person preference in the end.
I use Excel too. I am able to create any equations I need and it's simple. I don't think tracking should be a lot of work right? I know my expenses are rather uncomplicated, so if you have a mortgage, car payments, student loans, credit card loans and insurance payments, I could see the merrit in Quicken. I think it all boils down to person preference in the end.
I track my money with https://money.strands.com/. The great thing about this one is that you can manually input your accounts data instead of linking it to your bank. I also keep an excel worksheet that is tailored to what I like and want to see! :)
My recent post Pledge to Save
I track my money with https://money.strands.com/. The great thing about this one is that you can manually input your accounts data instead of linking it to your bank. I also keep an excel worksheet that is tailored to what I like and want to see! :)
My recent post Pledge to Save
I'm using an Excel spreadsheet that I created. I've used QuickBooks and Simply Accounting in past jobs and I find that they have too many features I wouldn't use at home. Quicken Cash Manager looks like something useful for home budgeting, but I'm reluctant to spend money on software when my Excel sheet seems to work just fine! It definitely appeals to my need for organization though!
I'm using an Excel spreadsheet that I created. I've used QuickBooks and Simply Accounting in past jobs and I find that they have too many features I wouldn't use at home. Quicken Cash Manager looks like something useful for home budgeting, but I'm reluctant to spend money on software when my Excel sheet seems to work just fine! It definitely appeals to my need for organization though!
i use my credit card (which i pay off in full every month) for almost all my spending so mint.com works really well for me. i don't have to type in all those receipts.
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i use my credit card (which i pay off in full every month) for almost all my spending so mint.com works really well for me. i don't have to type in all those receipts.
My recent post Wicked Popular BlogHer10
I also have a personal excel spreadsheet that I created on my own and it works wonders. I'm actually just doing a new spreadsheet to do a "6 month review" of what I have spent in total from January-June so far.
I have Quickens and am actually in the process of getting it installed on my laptop so I will let you know which one I prefer once I get Quickens up and running. I have never used it before but have heard its by far the best software to use. I guess you'll have to weigh the pros and cons of what Quickens can allow you to do vs. what excel allows you to do. Can't you do some really awesome & easy chart-creating, etc in Quickens?
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I also have a personal excel spreadsheet that I created on my own and it works wonders. I'm actually just doing a new spreadsheet to do a “6 month review” of what I have spent in total from January-June so far.
I have Quickens and am actually in the process of getting it installed on my laptop so I will let you know which one I prefer once I get Quickens up and running. I have never used it before but have heard its by far the best software to use. I guess you'll have to weigh the pros and cons of what Quickens can allow you to do vs. what excel allows you to do. Can't you do some really awesome & easy chart-creating, etc in Quickens?
My recent post The desire to keep learning
I use excel – I can customize it anyway I want and use it to make charts/graphs if need be.
Plus, it's free!
I use excel – I can customize it anyway I want and use it to make charts/graphs if need be.
Plus, it's free!
I spend all my money on credit card – easier to track after and I can create a report from excel after.
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I spend all my money on credit card – easier to track after and I can create a report from excel after.
My recent post Review and giveaway of 44 Wide – 16 x 20 Gallery Wrapped Canvas
My copy of Excel on my PC has some weird quirk to it where it makes it difficult to open. I can get it open, but it's a pain in the rear. To make things simple, I have been using a Google Docs spreadsheet for 2010 and it is super simple. I would like to try Quicken in the future if our finances get more complicated (car payments, mortgages, etc. – although, I like to avoid these).
My recent post Economical Sandwiches
My copy of Excel on my PC has some weird quirk to it where it makes it difficult to open. I can get it open, but it's a pain in the rear. To make things simple, I have been using a Google Docs spreadsheet for 2010 and it is super simple. I would like to try Quicken in the future if our finances get more complicated (car payments, mortgages, etc. – although, I like to avoid these).
My recent post Economical Sandwiches
I know this is lame, but I write it all down in a journal/notebook. I keep track of every little thing that way. I would like to do it on Excel, but I haven't wanted to put the effort into setting it all up. I'm pretty computer savvy, but I hate Excel. Maybe I should check out Quicken and join the 21st century. :)
I know this is lame, but I write it all down in a journal/notebook. I keep track of every little thing that way. I would like to do it on Excel, but I haven't wanted to put the effort into setting it all up. I'm pretty computer savvy, but I hate Excel. Maybe I should check out Quicken and join the 21st century. :)
I use a personalized Excel file with my personal budget all laid out and have it saved to Google Docs so I can easily update or view it from anywhere.
I use a personalized Excel file with my personal budget all laid out and have it saved to Google Docs so I can easily update or view it from anywhere.
I've actually been keeping it lately on a note in my Iphone. And then I transfer it over to my spending report on my blog.
My recent post Apartment Hunting
I've actually been keeping it lately on a note in my Iphone. And then I transfer it over to my spending report on my blog.
My recent post Apartment Hunting
Right now, I mainly use Mint.com, and have most of my spending money (for entertainment) in cash form. As long as I stay within my budget, I don't care where each cent goes. When I start overspending, I'll probably find anew method, but this is working for now.
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Right now, I mainly use Mint.com, and have most of my spending money (for entertainment) in cash form. As long as I stay within my budget, I don't care where each cent goes. When I start overspending, I'll probably find anew method, but this is working for now.
My recent post Things that matter to me
another vote for mint.com! used to be microsoft money, then quicken, now just mint – loving it – much easier.
another vote for mint.com! used to be microsoft money, then quicken, now just mint – loving it – much easier.
My online banking. It's not perfect, but it does the job. I'm not really all that anal about my tracking.
My recent post 50 questions that will free your mind Part 2
My online banking. It's not perfect, but it does the job. I'm not really all that anal about my tracking.
My recent post 50 questions that will free your mind Part 2
I use a google spreadsheet. Quicken is too hard for me to get my computer iliterate head round, plus you have to pay for it.
I also use my trusty notebook and pen system, works for me.
I use a google spreadsheet. Quicken is too hard for me to get my computer iliterate head round, plus you have to pay for it.
I also use my trusty notebook and pen system, works for me.
http://www.youneedabudget.com – works on mac too
” target=”_blank”>http://www.youneedabudget.com – works on mac too
I use mint.com, mostly because most of my spending is via credit cards and online bill pay. Other than that, I've used walletproof.com to track my spending in the past. I suppose this would mean I'd like Quicken more, since it's automatically updated from your accounts.
But use whatever works best for you!
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I use mint.com, mostly because most of my spending is via credit cards and online bill pay. Other than that, I've used walletproof.com to track my spending in the past. I suppose this would mean I'd like Quicken more, since it's automatically updated from your accounts.
But use whatever works best for you!
My recent post Barenaked Ladies- As awesome as ever!
Excel
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Excel
My recent post Halfway Through Summer
Traditionally, I have kept notes in my head on cash (plus receipts to jog my memory) as well as my credit card statements. Its not fool proof, so I am trying mint.com. The issue is that mint.com does not yet support my Mastercard, which makes using it a bit pointless right now.
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Traditionally, I have kept notes in my head on cash (plus receipts to jog my memory) as well as my credit card statements. Its not fool proof, so I am trying mint.com. The issue is that mint.com does not yet support my Mastercard, which makes using it a bit pointless right now.
My recent post Weddings Update and Winter Getaway Update
I use excel to keep track of my spending and each week match it up to quicken's download from my bank account. I also have a mac and the only reason I put windows 7 on it is for Quicken. I tried YNAB, Money, Mint and prefer Quicken.
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I use excel to keep track of my spending and each week match it up to quicken's download from my bank account. I also have a mac and the only reason I put windows 7 on it is for Quicken. I tried YNAB, Money, Mint and prefer Quicken.
My recent post Promotion Time
I am not sure if you made you decision, but my Vote is for Quicken.
If you are in the US I would say to link your accounts with MINT.com I have been using it since I moved down here, for the last 8 months, and I love it. It is very easy to link your US accounts and have them auto-categorize, send out alerts on odd spending, etc
I have used Quicken, Excel, MS Money, etc. and MINT is my favorite, Quicken and at the very bottom is spreadsheets.
I am not sure if you made you decision, but my Vote is for Quicken.
If you are in the US I would say to link your accounts with MINT.com I have been using it since I moved down here, for the last 8 months, and I love it. It is very easy to link your US accounts and have them auto-categorize, send out alerts on odd spending, etc
I have used Quicken, Excel, MS Money, etc. and MINT is my favorite, Quicken and at the very bottom is spreadsheets.