Here’s an expense tracking template (Microsoft Excel workbook) I have been fiddling around with since January, 2007. It’s very simple to use and allows you to track your expenses to the rupee.

Fill in the “Sources of funds” section whenever you draw cash from an ATM or bank, make a payment from your savings account via ECS or check, or spend on your debit or credit card. Fill in the “Application of funds” section whenever you have an expense (cash, credit, check, or ECS). The cell labeled “Cash position” should be positive (meaning you have cash in your wallet) or should be zero (meaning you don’t have a dime in your wallet). The value in this cell is computed automatically. The idea is to match sources of cash/credit with uses of cash/credit.

Use the “Template” worksheet to create a fresh template at the start of each month and rename the worksheet as appropriate.

Download the expense tracker template.

Click here for an example / demo.

It’s worked extremely well for me. I now know exactly where my cash/credit is going. Check it out and let me know what you think of it.