Three ways to track
Pick the one you will really use.
- By hand: write each purchase in a notebook or notes app. It is accurate but easy to forget.
- Spreadsheet: copy payments from your bank statement. Flexible, but it takes time each month.
- Connected bank: an app reads your payments automatically and sorts them into categories.
What to look at
Do not try to review every payment. Look at the totals for each category and compare them to last month. The changes are where the answers are.
Automatic and read-only
Wollie connects to your bank with a read-only link. You sign in at your own bank, so Wollie never sees your password and cannot move money. Your payments are sorted by category, so the tracking is done before you open the app.
Questions
How long should I track my spending?
Three months gives you a clear picture. After that, a monthly look is enough.
Is automatic tracking accurate?
It follows your real bank payments, so it is usually more complete than manual notes. You can still check categories that look wrong.
This guide is general information, not financial advice.