Stop Using Complicated Finance Apps

In today’s email:

1. The personal finance system I’ve used for 15 years

2. My mentality for the system (video below)

SPONSOR - Me! :)

Get my finance system for 50% off here.

MAIN ARTICLE

VIDEO WALKTHROUGH

The Simple Spreadsheet That Killed My Credit Card Debt

Today, I'm pulling back the curtain on this year’s update to my personal finance system.

Here's why you should care: This barebones spreadsheet has helped me:

• Eliminate all credit card debt

• Know where every penny goes

• Shift my entire spending mindset

And unlike the fancy apps with complicated dashboards, it actually works.

The Problem With Most Financial Tracking

Let me guess - you've tried Monarch, YNAB, or some other slick app. They promise everything but deliver complexity.

I used Mint for a minute back when it was alive too, but I never loved it.

Most financial tracking systems fail because:

1. They're too complicated to maintain

2. They separate the spending decision from the "pay for it" decision

3. They create a false sense of your actual financial position

The mental shift that changed everything: I now operate under the assumption that I'm paying for something at the time of transaction - even if it's on a credit card.

The No-BS Spreadsheet System

Here's what makes this spreadsheet different:

1. The Transactions Tab The heart of the system. Each row represents one transaction with:

• Date

• Transaction

• Amount

• Payment method (credit card, ATM, etc.)

• Category

What makes this powerful: My balance immediately reflects all spending - even if it's on a credit card I haven't paid yet.

2. The Reconciliation Feature This is where my OCD magic happens:

• Enter your credit card statement balance

• Filter transactions by payment method

• Check off matching transactions

• Watch as they match up perfectly to your statement

• Clear them out once paid

3. The Analysis Tab Simple but effective:

• See expenses by category

• Track monthly spending

• Compare income vs. expenses

• Monitor your actual bank balance

How This Changes Your Financial Mindset

The spreadsheet embodies the old-school philosophy I try to practice: make more than you spend.

With most finance apps, you think: "I have money in my account, so I can spend it."

With this system, you think: "I've already accounted for all my spending, so this is what I actually have."

That mental shift is worth more than any fancy dashboard.

Get Started Today

You have two options:

Option 1: Build your own version in 30-40 minutes. All you need is:

• A transaction log (date, merchant, amount, payment method, category)

• A reconciliation system (to match with statements)

• Simple visualization (pivot tables work great)

Option 2: Get my exact template with the minimal bells and whistles that have worked for me for years (50% off). Click here to grab the spreadsheet →

Questions for you:

• What's your biggest frustration with tracking your finances?

• Have you found yourself trapped in credit card debt because "future you" will pay for it?

• Are you actually saving more than you spend each month?

Hit reply and let me know. I read every response.

P.S. If you found this helpful, share it with a friend:

NEXT STEPS

Whenever you’re ready, here’s how I can help:

1. Consulting (limited availability)
   Grab a slot on my calendar for help with a spreadsheet OR newsletter project.

2. Business tech stack (FREE)
   My recommendations for software and tools I use to create content and run my online business.

3. Sponsor Got Sheet
   Got Sheet teaches business operators, teachers and entrepreneurs how to get good at spreadsheets. Interested in sponsoring an issue or a series of Got Sheet newsletters? Reach out to get more information.

4. Personal budget tool
   As a Got Sheet subscriber, I want you to have a 50% discount on the personal finance system I update every year.

5. YouTube

   If you aren’t subscribed yet, come on over to my YouTube channel where I make all my spreadsheet, coding and productivity tutorials

HAPPY SPREADSHEETING!

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Cheers, Eamonn
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