"I've tried all the solutions, but none seem to get the job done": How can I track my wealth and debts in multiple currencies without autoconnecting to accounts?

Hey Money Minder,

I’m an American living it up in Germany. I’ve got cash flowing in from the US (rental property and military disability) and I’m also bringing in the dough from my work here in Germany.

I’ve got expenses in both places, but I also have retirement accounts back in the US. I’m not just looking to budget, I want to keep track of all my cash (bank accounts, retirement savings, etc.) and debts (mortgage, credit cards, etc).

I need something that can handle multiple currencies and isn’t all about connecting to accounts (Deutsche Bank is a no-go for that). Is there one app that can handle all of this? I’ve tried Google Sheets, but I’ve messed up those spreadsheets before and had no clue how to fix them (Ctrl + Z didn’t work). I also tried “Debit & Credit,” an Apple budgeting app that’s like a fancy spreadsheet, but it doesn’t give me the insight I need.

I’ve tested out a bunch of other solutions (Budget with Buckets, YNAB, Monarch, Copilot, Sheets, etc) and none of them seem to cut it. Maybe I just need to settle, but I wanted to check in with you first!

Hope you can help me out!

Cheers,

Money Tracker Extraordinaire

Response from THE MONEY MINDER:

Hello There,

I understand the complexity of managing finances across different countries and currencies. It can be challenging to find a single app that meets all your tracking needs, especially when dealing with various income sources and accounts in different locations.

Given the limitations you’ve experienced with other budgeting apps and the issues with connecting accounts, a practical approach could be to utilize a combination of tools that work best for your specific situation. Google Sheets, despite your past challenges, can be a great option for manual tracking of your overall wealth, debts, income, and expenses. You can create custom spreadsheets tailored to your needs, and with caution in data input, track your financial status accurately.

Additionally, you can consider using specialized financial tracking apps like Debit & Credit for more detailed and real-time monitoring of your budgets and spending patterns. While it may lack in-depth financial insight, it can complement your manual tracking in Google Sheets and provide a more user-friendly interface for day-to-day monitoring.

By combining Google Sheets for comprehensive wealth tracking and Debit & Credit for more detailed budgeting, you can create a practical system that addresses your concerns about multiple currencies and connectivity issues with certain accounts. It may take some time to set up initially, but this approach can provide you with a clear overview of your financial situation and help you stay on top of your financial goals.

I hope this suggestion helps you find a more suitable solution for your financial tracking needs. Feel free to explore other tools and methods that work best for you. Remember, consistency and careful tracking are key to maintaining a successful financial management system. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out. Take care, and best of luck with your financial journey!

Farewell from THE MONEY MINDER.