Hi y’all, I’m trying to figure out how to clearly express a question I have. I have a monthly budget and expenses spreadsheet that tracks my starting checking account balance, expenses, and income. The idea is simple: Starting Balance minus expenses plus income equals ending balance. But here’s where I get confused: I want to cross-check this spreadsheet balance with the actual money in my checking account. Since I use a credit card for everything, my checking account doesn’t accurately reflect my available money. Plus, my credit card billing doesn’t align with the calendar month. How do most people make sense of this? I just want to ensure my spreadsheet balance matches my checking account balance.
I get where you’re coming from! When I spend, I focus on the actual expenses, not the payment method. It helps simplify things for me.
Thames said:
I get where you’re coming from! When I spend, I focus on the actual expenses, not the payment method. It helps simplify things for me.
That makes sense! So you just track the expenses without worrying about when the payment comes out?
@Quincy
Exactly! I treat my budget as a snapshot of my spending over the month regardless of when I pay it.
I think it’s all about keeping your focus on income and expenses. When you spend less than you earn, you can save more.
Blaze said:
I think it’s all about keeping your focus on income and expenses. When you spend less than you earn, you can save more.
That’s a good point! So the key is to not get too caught up in the account balances?
@Quincy
Exactly! Your budget is like a performance report over time, while your account balances are just snapshots.
Maybe consider adjusting your budget to reflect when you actually pay bills? It might help with the confusion.
Drake said:
Maybe consider adjusting your budget to reflect when you actually pay bills? It might help with the confusion.
That’s an interesting idea! Do you do that with your budget?
@Quincy
Yeah, I align my budget with when I make the payments. It keeps things clearer for me.