Comments on: How to Organize Your Finances with a Financial Inventory

By: Ryan

Ryan — Thu, 05 May 2011 19:10:33 +0000

Alicia, there are a lot of free templates and software programs available. I found this one on CNET: WYO Home Inventory. Here are more free templates: Home Inventory Software. I would try a few and see which one best meets your needs. (note: These are the links for Windows OS, there are Mac compatible programs as well - for example, WYO Home INventory has a Mac version: What You Own Home Inventory for Mac).

By: Alicia

Alicia — Thu, 05 May 2011 18:58:14 +0000

Hi Ryan,
Thank you so much for the info. I’m married to an accountant and he takes care of all of the financial “stuff” around here. I’ve been wondering about something like this to have as a just-in-case. I sat down today and worked up the spreadsheet (with all 6 worksheets that you suggested) then informed my hubby that he needs to plug in all the info.
I am also adding a worksheet for all of the email and newsletter accounts that we have signed up for with logins, etc.
Next on the to-do list is a household inventory. Any suggestions for a template?
Oh, I did find a free “Personal Finance Organizer” on TodaysSeniors.com, of all places. I still went the Excell route though.
Thanks again,
Alicia

By: Ryan

Ryan — Tue, 03 May 2011 19:09:48 +0000

Kathy, I just used an Excel spreadsheet (you can also use OpenOffice.org or Google Docs for free alternatives). I create a heading for each type of account, account name, contact information and other pertinent data. Then I made a spreadsheet for each of the major topics: one for financial accounts (banks, investments, etc.), one for debts, contact info, home inventory, etc. It took a few hours, but I have a solid reference sheet for all my important info. There may be some pre-made solutions available for download, but I’m not aware of any.

By: Kathy

Kathy — Tue, 03 May 2011 19:04:25 +0000

Hello Ryan,
I am in the process of doing just what you have laid out in your article. However, I am having trouble determining the best format. Any suggestions as to the best way to document all of this? Is there anyone who has created a program or spreadsheet that I can just “plug-in” my own info? I just don’t know where to begin!

Thanks ~ Kathy

By: Ryan

Ryan — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 05:30:27 +0000

David, Check out Consumerism Commentary, which might feature what you are looking for. The blogger there, Flexo, puts out a monthly net worth statement. Example: Personal Balance Sheet, November 2009. He uses Quicken to create his reports.

By: David

David — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:59:59 +0000

Hey Ryan,

To start let me say that I really enjoy reading your blog. I am learning a lot, thank you.

I have a blog article request. I want to put a personal income statement and balance sheet together. I don’t really know how to do it properly, I’m also not sure if it is necessary – maybe it’s going a bit overboard. I would find an article similar to this one super helpful.

Thanks very much, all the best.

David.

By: Ryan

Ryan — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:17:47 +0000

You should definitely do this if you have a business as well. Most small businesses are run in the minds of the owners and would suffer greatly should something happen to him/her. I need to create a continuation plan to show my wife what to do with my business should something happen to me.

By: Ryan

Ryan — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:15:32 +0000

David, I don’t think that’s overboard at all for an insurance inventory – especially if you have one of a kind items, heirlooms, antiques, or other items that are difficult or expensive to replace. I haven’t done an insurance inventory in a long time. It’s probably a great time to do it!