How do you keep track of your income?

[Michael]

How do you keep track of your income? Personally I use a specially formulated excel spreadsheet :D Works just fine for me.

[Indy]

I note everything down in a huge black notebook thing I have. :p

[Michael]

I note everything down in a huge black notebook thing I have. :p

Hopefully you don't misplace that big black book! Lots of history would be lost.

[Indy]

Hopefully you don't misplace that big black book! Lots of history would be lost.

True, but having a hard copy of it all gives me a piece of mind. :p

If it were all saved in file(s) on a computer... If one gets a virus and hasn't backed up in a while, it'd all be lost.

[Michael]

It's good that I backup every night to an offsite server then eh ;)

[Tyler]

I too keep track of my income with Excel. I'm quite organized which really helps me keep track of things much easier and just makes me a lot more efficient.

I also make monthly backups of all my websites and databases and site-related files such as my Excel files onto DVD (previously CD but my site DB's have become so huge).

[Thien]

I've been using Google Spreadsheets lately. It's pretty cool, no need for Excel.

[Tyler]

Is Google Spreadsheets an online application, or an application? If it's the latter, boy they are really starting to expand into other areas, huh?

[Karl Evans]

It's an online application, haven't used it much. Just had a quick glance and then closed the window. :)

[Michael]

Is Google Spreadsheets an online application, or an application? If it's the latter, boy they are really starting to expand into other areas, huh?

It's online, enables you to do loads of cool stuff. You save it online and can invite people to come and edit / review it.

[Submerge]

Here is a link to Google Spreadsheets:
https://www.google.com/accounts/ServiceLogin?service=wise&passive=true&nui=1&continue=http%3A%2F%2Fspreadsheets.google.com%2Fcc c%3Fnew

[Andreas Bard]

I just keep the statements from the bank, paypal and such.
I then just keep som notes for myself and also get weekly income status from my accountant.

//Andreas

[davestarr]

It's good that I backup every night to an offsite server then eh ;)
Michael, when you have time, how about telling us more about what service you are using and how you go about making sure you have everything backed up? Many of us know we should be doing something like this, but don't do it regularly ... or don't have a plan.

Nothing makes a web designer/site operator look dumber thnas that "Oh shit" moment when you realize something has "gone south" on you ... but we often seem (me anyway) to delay until we lose something.

I've had some business ideas along this line ... offerring this kind of service for those who don't have a plan ... but I have to learn more than my potential customers first.

[Anthony]

Microsoft Excel never fails!

All I need now is a filing cabinet to put invoices and receipts into!

[Jack]

Man, I am so unorganised, I think I may give Excel a go!

[jon]

I would be very interested to see how all of you layout and format your excel spreadsheets. Any chance of uploading a blank version with all the equations and formatting in place?

Right now i just have a folder with everything in.

[Anthony]

When I get a chance I'll upload a monthly income and cost sheet, got to remake it since the last time I used it was on my older computer a few months ago!

[jon]

Thanks Anthony, that would be a big help.

[babyboy808]

how about telling us more about what service you are using and how you go about making sure you have everything backed up? Many of us know we should be doing something like this, but don't do it regularly ... or don't have a plan.

Hi,

Here is a very good backup utility for 2gigs free storage...

http://mozy.com/

[Andrew]

I would be very interested to see how all of you layout and format your excel spreadsheets. Any chance of uploading a blank version with all the equations and formatting in place?

Right now i just have a folder with everything in.

I just came to this thread to ask this very question.. perhaps someone can do that, it would be very helpful. :P

[moojj]

Here is the spreadsheet that I use: Cashflow.xls (http://www.adamlyttle.com/files/Cashflow.xls) ..with some added shameless self promotion.

There are 3 sheets in this Excel document:

Savings
The savings sheet allows me to keep track of how much money goes into my savings accounts. This is useful as my saving accounts are seperate from my every day banking accounts.

Cashflow
The cashflow sheet allows me to keep track of my purchases and my income. Whenever I make a purchase I will remember the amount or keep the receipt. When I get home I will fill in the information. It's amazing just how much you can save by keeping an eye on your purchases and expenses. You find that money doesn't just 'disappear'.

Upcoming Cashflow
The Upcoming Cashflow sheet allows me to keep track of any future payments or income I will be receiving. When money is received I will typically go straight to this sheet and work out which expenses the payment will be distributed to. During the week I group income and expenses in groups by highlighting the columns with approriate colours - this allows me to visualise where my money will go and it allows me to plan my cashflow much better.

If you make any useful adjustments please let me know, I would be interested to see how other people use this document.

[Andrew]

Nice moojj, I'm using it right now and I love it. :P

[kaizan]

its called an accountant :)

and im shit-hot at keeping things organised.

[Idle Play]

I just pay my accountant and forget all about finances. That is one area of business I tend to avoid. I know what I make a month and what it costs me to make that. That's all I want to know. Cashflow forecasts, budgeting, expenses, tax, VAT etc etc can be someone elses responsibility :)

[moojj]

I just pay my accountant and forget all about finances. That is one area of business I tend to avoid. I know what I make a month and what it costs me to make that. That's all I want to know. Cashflow forecasts, budgeting, expenses, tax, VAT etc etc can be someone elses responsibility :)

As an entrepreneur it is a good idea to have the best accountant, but you should also keep track of it yourself - in my opinion.

[Idle Play]

Well, yes, obviously I need to know what's what otherwise I wouldn't have any data to pass to the accountant :)

[fkj]

great spreadsheet!!!!

[AnthonyLipari]

I'd still prefer normal excel, much faster.

[sreeja]

I regularly list down my spendings and expenses in a diary.Then at the end of the week i check the expenses and spendings.It helps to track my income.Nice question.