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August 2, 2005
Personal Finance Index Card Templates
I'm a big fan of the Hipster PDA. It's one of those fabulously simple ideas that just clicks in a world of over-complication. For those who don't know, the Hipster PDA is nothing more than a pen and a bunch of index cards clipped together that you can use any way you like. Simple, yes, but it's developed quite the cult following. And it can help get your finances in order too.
One popular hack has been to print templates directly onto the index cards (like these from Douglas Johnston and these from John Norris) and use them to fit various organizational processes. I've used this myself with David Allen's Getting Things Done organization system, and the results are pretty amazing.
So now I'd like to offer the these printable index card templates to help organize your personal finances.
Instructions
The 1up PDF is formatted for printing directly onto 3x5 index cards, one at a time. If your printer can handle 3x5 cards reasonably, this is the way to go.
The 4up PDF is formatted for standard 8.5x11 inch letter-size paper. If your printer doesn't play nice with index cards, or if you don't have any handy, you can print these and cut them to size.
Requests
If you have any suggestions for a particular template that might help you manage your finances, leave a comment and I'll try to whip something up and add it to this page. Post a comment to let know if you find this useful (or not!).
The Cards
Expenses
1up PDF (zipped) - 4up PDF (zipped)
Use this card to keep track of how much you spend each month in various categories. Knowing where your money is going is key to being able to properly plan a budget and live below your means.
Fill out a few of these, perhaps for Clothing, Dining/Entertainment, and Necessities, and carry them with you. Every time you buy something in one of these categories, mark it down. Tally them up at the end of the month, and bam! You've just learned something about where all your money's going. Try it -- you might surprise yourself.
Bills
1up PDF (zipped) - 4up PDF (zipped)
Use this card to manage payments of your monthly bills. Fill out one card for each month, and as soon as a bill comes in, write down the amount and the date due. When you pay the bill, write down the amount paid and the date you mailed it. This way, if you forget to mail one, it will stick out like a sore thumb.
Before I came up with this sytem, I had a surprisingly difficult time paying bills on time and unfortunately have some late payments reported on my credit report as of a couple years ago. Not any more! Never be late again!
Account
1up PDF (zipped) - 4up PDF (zipped)
Use the "account" card like a ledger to manage your bank account balances. Just note transactions as they happen, and you'll always know how much money is in your account, and what its recent activity is.
If you find yourself taking money out of the ATM each week, and don't know how you can go through it so quickly, this is also a good way to track your cash purchases. Just treat the cash in your wallet like it's another account, and you'll be able to easily see where it's all going!
Posted by Frank at August 2, 2005 12:38 PM
