I use GNU Cash http://www.gnucash.org/ http://www.gnucash.org/ My bank allows me to export statements in CSV or Quicken(?) format, but it is often easier just

I use GNU Cash http://www.gnucash.org/ http://www.gnucash.org/ My bank allows me to export statements in CSV or Quicken(?) format, but it is often easier just to key them in manually. I treat credit card spending as a "Black Box" only recording the monthly payments out. Should probably break that down further so I can see where we're wasting money. I try to align Direct Debits (regular monthly payments in the UK) so they come out on the same day / week. Some companies are more helpful than others at moving them. No cheques - thankfully their use is in the way out in the UK. Similarly, I try not to use cash - far harder to track spending. I leave investing to professionals. There's no way I can compete on the stock market with people who do it full time and have billions to play with. So I let my pension fund do that work for me. Hardest thing to track is ad hoc payments through PayPal - either to people or as payment from friends & companies. Sadly, my bank doesn't offer mobile banking, but I'm happy enough with Web access. I don't need spending alerts, to make sudden payments etc. The most important thing - if you're married/living together/in a relationship - talk to your partner! Explain your priorities, talk about realistic goals, work out how you'll split bills etc. Money breaks up too many relationships.