at the end of every month in a spreadsheet :
- manually log every transaction
- manually record the balance of every account
after a few months you’ll know where to improve.
Discussion
you have a template to send by chance?
i don’t, but i used this method for years. i kept it very simple:
- a tab called template with a simple table for your accounts, just name and balance. another table to track what you’re spending, effectively your monthly bank statements
- every month duplicate the template tab and rename it for the month, eg dec-2025. login to your accounts and record the balances.
the manual process is part of the secret. you’re very aware of what you’re spending and where you’re at.