One Caveman’s Financial Journey

I have finally uploaded the first version of the Expense Report spreadsheet. It’s not much, yet, but with your input and suggestions, I will definitely make improvements.

The goal of this spreadsheet is simple: Input every single cent that leaves your person. In order to get accurate data, you must track every single penny of every single transaction that takes money away from you. Regardless of if it’s a quarter in a parking meter, a $5 fast food “meal,” or a $200 microwave, you must add it to the spreadsheet.

Also do not forget to include any payments to loans or bills that arrive. I input the date the check was written or the bill pay transaction hit as the date in my spreadsheet. You may choose to mark the date the bill arrived or its due date. It doesn’t really matter what date you use as long as you use the same one every time and you enter every single bill.

At the end of the month, create a new sheet and start tracking all over again. Eventually, you’ll have enough data to know where all your money is going. Use that data to reign in spending where you can and set a workable budget.

Ok, now it’s your turn. Download and use the spreadsheet and see what happens. Let me know how or if it helps you and what the spreadsheet might be lacking. I look forward to hearing from you!

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Note: I uploaded the spreadsheet in Office 2007’s format. If you are using an older version, make sure you have the Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack installed to be able to open the file. I will do what I can to make sure the spreadsheet is workable in older versions, but I cannot fully support anything less than 2007.

Other articles you might enjoy reading

• Expense Analysis - January 2008
• Unexcused Absence
• Goals for 2008
• Adventures in Frugality: Grocery Budget Experiment Preview