Keeping track of the money

[sblg43]

I have searched and searched for some kind of inexpensive software program to help keep track of the money. I don't yet have a need for time tracking software and I don't want to dive into a full blown accounting setup (like Quickbooks (pay) or Gnucash(free)). I just want something to help with filling out the Federal Schedule C at the end of the year. I happen to have MS Excel. If you don't have Excel you can download a free program like LibreOffice (which is pretty compatible with MS Office stuff).

So I finally found something that I like - an Excel spreadsheet template for free download. www.accountinator.com has an Excel template that helps sort out and keep track of all the info I will need to fill out that schedule C at tax time. You use the template to keep track of the money coming in and money going out. And it keeps a running balance so you know if you are making a profit or losing money. If you are familiar with a schedule C form, you know that the form has a place for many different incomes and expenses. When using the template, you put the income and expenses in the appropriate location and the template has a "report" that you can use to see the balance in each category. Keep up with the data entry throughout the year and you should have a compete "report" at the end of the year.

I just started filling it in last night and I did make some changes to the template to customize it to my needs. I am looking forward to next year when I shouldn't have to sort through all those invoices and receipts because it's already sorted for me.
This is just an Excel template - it does NOT print invoices or receipts.

I thought I would share this info with anybody else who could benefit from it.

I welcome any other insight into this topic.

[KE4AVB]

I have searched and searched for some kind of inexpensive software program to help keep track of the money. I don't yet have a need for time tracking software and I don't want to dive into a full blown accounting setup (like Quickbooks (pay) or Gnucash(free)).

If you are running or starting up any kind of business it is best in my opinion you need to go ahead start now learning the accounting process. It takes a long time building your databases from manual input but it will prove to be very useful in the long run. As you get busier you will not have the time needed to learn on the fly which can be costly.

Gnucash is nowhere a full blown accounting program free or not; it is just the tip of the iceberg. Quickbooks considerable more expensive when you add the different modules. Now if you or any else is interested in a free full accounting package that can do receivables, payables, inventory with tracking, payroll plus an auto/equipment shop and/or cafe manager they can email or pm me and I will gladly send them the link of the software programmer website. It not totally free as you put up some minor advertising which is how the programmer gets paid or you pay a fee to remove it. It not totally error free but for a small operation well be very useful, least it is to me as I run an one person shop with multiple computers wirelessly for convenience and I am keeping track of over $10k in stock parts and equipment.

I am not advertising this software or recommending other than to say that it is available for their trial and they can their own judge if it is right for them.

AVB