How to track how much I spend and what I spend it on
How I did it: I started this when I started online banking because I didn't want to have a bankbook anymore. When I had my bankbook I would write in it what each expense was for to make sure I didn't get charged for something I didn't pay for. But with online banking I can't do that. So I then made a spreadsheet with Excel for both my checking account and Visa bill so I can verify that what I'm charged for matches my receipt. I also have it totalling so, if all goes the total matches my account or Visa bill. And then the accountant side of me wanted to know how much I actually do spend on books. So I decided why limit it to books? I then created categories and I categorize my expenses by those so I can see how much I spend on each. It's very interesting to see how much of my money goes where. It was a few days later that I realized that I'm practically doing my own bookkeeping.
Lessons & tips: If using a spreadsheet, make sure you take the time to set it up properly in the beginning or else you'll waste more time fixing it later.
Resources: Microsoft Excel 2007
