YNAB. I've used it for a few years (since YNAB 4). The automated import and categorization of transactions, combined with envelope budgeting is all I need. About as frictionless as it can realistically get, for my use case.
Ask HN: How do you track your finances?
11–20 of 24 posts
Re: Ask HN: How do you track your finances?
#12I just have a monthly number for all expenses excluding rent and try to stick to it. It doesn't always work, but I kind of stay in the ballpark.
Re: Ask HN: How do you track your finances?
#13I have not succeeded in tracking all my expenses - the only spreadsheet I have is one with a row for each "bill" I have to pay X months on the X axis. This lets me at least compare values for each month easily. But of course my variable expenses are all under a CC card bill...
If you'd like to keep using a spreadsheet, let me know, I've built something for myself that I sell. Just message me, I'll show you :) Otherwise, if you don't want to invest in anything pre-built, here's the free version of it, that is still useful in my opinion: https://gumroad.hugohamel.com/l/sheeld-profitloss (Hopefully that won't be considered as self-promotion, but if it does. Admin/Moderator: just message me so…
Re: Ask HN: How do you track your finances?
#14I just have a monthly number for all expenses excluding rent and try to stick to it. It doesn't always work, but I kind of stay in the ballpark.
If you want something a bit more complete, have a look at my comment above. Here's the direct link to it: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=30948979
Re: Ask HN: How do you track your finances?
#15Re: Ask HN: How do you track your finances?
#16Re: Ask HN: How do you track your finances?
#17I use YNAB for budgeting. I like the ability to choose between the mobile app or website depending on what I need to do.
I've been using a spreadsheet for tracking my net worth over time. I copied the template from someone else and just update it on the 1st of every month.
> 2. Do you use an accounting software (Quickbooks, Xero, Zoho, etc.)?
The only software I use is Quicken. I have it download all of my balances for all of my accounts to simplify updating my net worth sheet.
> 3. How do you like your current solution? Is it too complicated? Is it too overkill in terms of features for your needs?
It feels great right now. When I first started creating a budget, I overcomplicated it. It took a while to figure out how to make it simple, but it feels natural and easy to use now.
> 4. What would make it better for you?
I wish there was another piece of software that helped with downloading balances and transactions. Quicken is pretty slow and bloated and pricey. I've tried Personal Capital, but I wasn't comfortable with having my balances stored there. Quicken seemed secure, trusted, and offline-ish enough for me.
Re: Ask HN: How do you track your finances?
#18> 1. Do you use a spreadsheet? Did you build it yourself? Did you buy one that was already done for you? I use YNAB for budgeting. I like the ability to choose between the mobile app or website depending on what I need to do. I've been using a spreadsheet for tracking my net worth over time. I copied the template from someone else and just update it on the 1st of every month. > 2. Do you use an accounting software (Q…
Re: Ask HN: How do you track your finances?
#19Re: Ask HN: How do you track your finances?
#20> 1. Do you use a spreadsheet? Did you build it yourself? Did you buy one that was already done for you? I use YNAB for budgeting. I like the ability to choose between the mobile app or website depending on what I need to do. I've been using a spreadsheet for tracking my net worth over time. I copied the template from someone else and just update it on the 1st of every month. > 2. Do you use an accounting software (Q…