Here is a quick summary of what will be covered in this article, useful for people that own their own small business but do not want to buy specialized financial software: downloading CSV files of your transactions for bank accounts and credit cards, and how to batch concatenate (join) multiples of them together all at once, how to remove duplicate lines, and finally how using a spreadsheet you can quickly use keywords of your own to sort all of your expenses into categories like meals, entertainment, hotel and travel expenses. This is not only useful for small businesses but good if you like to keep track of your personal expenses as well.
Most banks these days allow you to download your transaction history. If you’re like me, I use a credit card for most of my transactions and get a cash back reward. 99% of my transactions are by credit card, and some transactions by debit. I download the .CSV files every few months and when tax time comes around I use these CSV files for the primary sorting of my business expenses. Instead of using paper receipts, I use my memory and the transaction descriptions in the credit card or debit CSV files I downloaded. Some banks only maintain 3 months of transactions for you to download, some banks 6, 9, 12, 18 or unlimited months of transactions. Be sure to have a reminder set up so you don’t forget to download the CSV files! This will save you a lot of time come tax time so you won’t need to be going through your paper statements and typing out numbers manually.
How to batch join multiple CSV files using a Windows PC
It’s quite simple really. Put all of your CSV files for your credit card into a single folder. CSV files are very simply comma or tab delimited text files with line breaks after each row. You just need to make it into a big text file first and let the computer do this for you to save time. If you’re familiar with DOS batch files, simply create a batch file in that folder with the following command:
copy *.csv all.csv
This will take all .csv files in the folder and make a single file called “all.csv” that you can open with a spreadsheet application such as Excel or OpenOffice.org (which is free and I highly recommend as a Microsoft Office alternative). If you do not know how DOS batch files work, just download my batch file here and unzip it into the folder with all your CSV files. Double click on the batch file (.bat file) and it will run on Windows 7 for example, or any other copy of Windows.
How to remove duplicate lines from a large CSV file for free with TextPad
For Windows there is a program I use called TextPad. It is a fantastic simple text editor. Open your concatenated large CSV file with TextPad and from the Tools menu choose “Sort”. In the Sort dialog, at the bottom there is a checkbox called “Delete duplicate lines”. Be sure to check this and all the duplicate lines will be deleted and a bonus you are sorting the CSV file too. Save the file and open the saved file now with your spreadsheet application as a comma or tab delimited CSV file.
How to use a spreadsheet to quickly sort your expenses into categories of your choosing
I have created a spreadsheet template for you already and you can download it here. Below I provide you with graphical instructions on how to use the spreadsheet. Click the image for a larger version.
I have included a button in the spreadsheet that is presently configured to launch a Macro function that will look for keywords you choose out of column “C” and delete any rows containing those keywords. For example, this is useful to delete rows that you do not want in the spreadsheet such as rows containing transactions of you paying off a credit card, or other transactions like email money transfers, or transactions between accounts. If using Excel, you will need to adjust your security settings so that it will enable the macro to run.
You can expand the spreadsheet to contain any number of transactions, simply select a bunch of rows by highlighting a bunch of rows using the row numbers along the left and then right-click on the row numbers you selected and select from the popup menu “Insert rows”. The more rows you select the more it will insert, you can repeat this a few times until you have thousands of rows.
Be sure to “Fill down” and “Fill across” so that the sorting equations in the main body of the spreadsheet are there so that you don’t miss any tabulations. Each cell has a formula and the logic of each formula is this: if the keyword you typed in the left column matches the column heading keyword, then this cell is equal to the transaction amount going out. If this cell is not equal, leave cell blank.
I have included a column on the far right hand side with conditional formatting in orange that warns you when a row does not contain a sorted value, you can use this to see when you’ve made a typo on the keywording for example. Sum totals are at the bottom of the spreadsheet.
I use a sheet similar to this every year for my taxes and I am able to sort about 1000 transactions per year in this way, in about 1 hour. This is a huge time savings because sorting 1000 transactions with paper would take perhaps days of my free time.
Happy taxes!
You have some Duplicate Files on your computer which hampers your memory space.
Just use “DuplicateFilesDeleter”.If you use this software you will be get comfortable.
Duplicate file are really disturbing. Just use “DuplicateFilesDeleter program”
Sometimes we get an error when we try to delete a File or a folder for no reason , but of course there is a reason.We have many damage file or blocked files.Do not worry if we want to remove the error files or too long path files from our system,here I suggest a smooth way.So use “Long path tool” software and keep yourself.
Sometimes we get an error when we try to delete a File or a folder for no reason , but of course there is a reason.We have many damage file or blocked files.Do not worry if we want to remove the error files or too long path files from our system,here I suggest a smooth way.So use “Long path tool” software and keep yourself
Whoa lots of awesome data.
https://www.cialisfidel.com/
sustancia activa cialis mexico
cialis 20 mg
levitra and cialis combined
[url=https://www.cialismim.com/]buy cialis online[/url]
Thank you, A good amount of write ups.
https://www.cialisfidel.com/
has anyone used cialis
cialis online
cialis professional 20 mg reviews
[url=https://www.cialisfidel.com/]cialis without a doctor prescription[/url]
You actually suggested that adequately!
http://cialismsnrx.com/
cialis prescribing guidelines
generic cialis
vendita cialis 5 mg
[url=https://www.cialismim.com/]cialis online[/url]
Seriously a good deal of terrific data!
http://cialisttk.com/
blue cialis
cheap cialis
does cialis go bad
[url=https://www.cialisfidel.com/]cialis 20mg[/url]
Great write ups. Regards.
http://cialisttk.com/
le cialis ‘once a day’
generic cialis
duracion efectos de cialis
[url=https://www.cialismim.com/]cialis 20mg[/url]
Amazing many of terrific material!
http://cialispego.com/
comprare cialis generico italia
cialis generic
cialis black erfahrung
[url=https://www.cialismim.com/]generic cialis[/url]
This is nicely expressed! .
https://www.cialisfidel.com/
dosaggio cialis e viagra
cialis online
jak uzywac cialis
[url=http://cialismsnrx.com/]cialis generic[/url]
Nicely put, Cheers.
http://cialisttk.com/
cialis 5 mg durata effetto
cialis online
cialis pour la premiere fois
[url=http://cialisttk.com/]cialis 20mg[/url]
You have made your position quite well.!
http://cialispego.com/
cialis tadalafil comprar
cheap cialis
da li je cialis stetan
[url=http://cialismsnntx.com/]cheap cialis[/url]
You actually said that adequately.
http://cialismsnntx.com/
cialis dove comprarlo
cialis 20mg
original cialis preisvergleich
[url=http://cialismsnrx.com/]cheap cialis[/url]
You definitely made your point!
http://cialispego.com/
cialis nevenverschijnselen
cialis without a doctor prescription
presentation du cialis
[url=https://www.cialisfidel.com/]cialis generic[/url]
Useful facts. Appreciate it!
http://cialispego.com/
citalopram cialis interaction
cialis without a doctor prescription
cialis egypt
[url=http://cialispego.com/]cialis without a doctor prescription[/url]
You stated it very well!
https://www.cialisfidel.com/
cialis quale dose
cialis generic
does cialis cause body aches
[url=http://cialismsnntx.com/]generic cialis[/url]
Great stuff. Cheers!
http://cialisttk.com/
mode d’action cialis
buy cialis online
se requiere receta medica para comprar cialis en mexico
[url=https://www.cialisfidel.com/]cialis 20 mg[/url]
Kudos, Quite a lot of posts.
http://cialismsnntx.com/
rezepte fГјr cialis
cialis 20 mg
how is cialis better than viagra
[url=http://cialisttk.com/]cialis without a doctor prescription[/url]
This is nicely said. !
https://www.cialisfidel.com/
cialis kvinnor
cialis without a doctor prescription
generic cialis 20mg tablets
[url=http://cialismsnntx.com/]cialis 20mg[/url]
You stated this effectively!
http://cialismsnrx.com/
obat cialis palsu
cialis 20mg
cialis canada discount
[url=http://cialisttk.com/]cialis 20mg[/url]
Thanks a lot, Quite a lot of posts.
https://www.cialismim.com/
internetapotheke holland cialis
cialis online
how much do 5mg cialis cost
[url=https://www.cialisfidel.com/]cialis generic[/url]
Lovely write ups, Kudos!
https://www.cialismim.com/
order cialis online cheap
cialis online
achat cialis super active
[url=http://cialismsnntx.com/]cheap cialis[/url]
Awesome posts, Cheers.
http://cialismsnrx.com/
cheapest brand cialis online
cialis online
black male actor in cialis commercial
[url=https://www.cialismim.com/]generic cialis[/url]
Seriously a good deal of valuable information.
http://cialismsnrx.com/
eu usei cialis
cialis without a doctor prescription
come comprare il cialis in farmacia
[url=http://cialismsnntx.com/]generic cialis[/url]
Thank you, A lot of postings!
https://www.cialismim.com/
cialis forum ou acheter
cialis generic
generic cialis legal us
[url=http://cialismsnrx.com/]cheap cialis[/url]
Really plenty of very good tips.
https://www.cialisfidel.com/
que medico receta cialis
cheap cialis
tomar cialis pela metade
[url=https://www.cialisfidel.com/]cialis generic[/url]
Great tips. Kudos!
https://www.cialismim.com/
cialis buy australia
cialis generic
how long does 10mg cialis last
[url=http://cialispego.com/]cialis without a doctor prescription[/url]
Fine posts. Thanks a lot!
http://cialisttk.com/
harga obat kuat cialis 20mg
buy cialis online
es daГ±ino tomar cialis
[url=https://www.cialisfidel.com/]buy cialis online[/url]
Appreciate it. Quite a lot of info.
http://cialisttk.com/
preturi viagra cialis levitra
cialis generic
cialis efectos colaterales
[url=http://cialispego.com/]buy cialis online[/url]
Thanks, I value this.
https://www.cialismim.com/
order cialis online with mastercard
buy cialis online
buy cialis switzerland
[url=https://www.cialismim.com/]cialis 20 mg[/url]
With thanks! I appreciate this.
https://www.cialismim.com/
how to reduce cialis side effects
generic cialis
toko cialis surabaya
[url=http://cialismsnntx.com/]buy cialis online[/url]
Kudos! Ample information.
http://cialisttk.com/
si puГІ dividere una compressa di cialis
cialis 20 mg
how long take cialis to work
[url=http://cialisttk.com/]buy cialis online[/url]
Kudos, Loads of stuff.
http://cialismsnntx.com/
cialis sold in australia
buy cialis online
cuanto dura el efecto de la pastilla cialis
[url=http://cialismsnrx.com/]generic cialis[/url]
Truly tons of awesome tips.
https://www.cialisfidel.com/
venta de cialis en df
cialis without a doctor prescription
cialis viagra autres
[url=https://www.cialisfidel.com/]buy cialis online[/url]
Seriously loads of helpful knowledge.
http://cialismsnrx.com/
donde puedo comprar cialis en los angeles
cialis generic
durante cuanto tiempo se puede tomar cialis
[url=https://www.cialismim.com/]cheap cialis[/url]
Good tips. Thank you!
http://cialismsnntx.com/
cialis forma de tomar
cialis generic
cialis en pharmacie france
[url=http://cialisttk.com/]buy cialis online[/url]
Regards! Great information!
http://cialispego.com/
cialis farmacie europee
generic cialis
donde comprar cialis generico en mexico
[url=http://cialismsnntx.com/]generic cialis[/url]
Many thanks. Loads of forum posts.
http://cialismsnntx.com/
cialis et insuffisance rГ©nale
buy cialis online
cialis 5 mg tapasztalatok
[url=http://cialispego.com/]cialis generic[/url]
Regards, I like this.
http://cialismsnntx.com/
safest place buy cialis online
generic cialis
cialis generico preco
[url=https://www.cialisfidel.com/]generic cialis[/url]
Awesome facts. Many thanks!
http://cialispego.com/
best cure for cialis headache
cialis 20mg
que tan seguido puedo tomar cialis
[url=http://cialismsnrx.com/]cialis 20 mg[/url]
Cheers, Valuable information.
http://cialismsnrx.com/
kГ¶p cialis sverige
generic cialis
cialis dosage 50 mg
[url=http://cialismsnntx.com/]generic cialis[/url]
You said it adequately..
http://cialismsnntx.com/
cialis vor nach essen
cheap cialis
cialis 20mg koupit
[url=http://cialismsnntx.com/]cialis 20mg[/url]
Good facts. Cheers.
https://www.cialismim.com/
cialis billigt sverige
cialis generic
prix cialis 5
[url=http://cialisttk.com/]cialis generic[/url]
Kudos! Useful information.
http://cialisttk.com/
cialis manipulado e bom
buy cialis online
cialis bad reviews
[url=https://www.cialismim.com/]cialis 20mg[/url]
Thank you! Quite a lot of stuff!
http://cialispego.com/
cialis gГ©nГ©rique pharmacie france
cialis 20 mg
cuanto cuesta el cialis en mexico df
[url=https://www.cialisfidel.com/]cialis generic[/url]
Excellent facts. Thanks a lot.
http://cialismsnrx.com/
cialis und nitrospray
cheap cialis
cialis ernia iatale
[url=https://www.cialisfidel.com/]cialis without a doctor prescription[/url]
Appreciate it, Numerous information.
http://cialisttk.com/
why is cialis so expensive
buy cialis online
cialis odt
[url=http://cialismsnntx.com/]cheap cialis[/url]
This is nicely expressed! !
https://www.cialismim.com/
symptoms of cialis overdose
cialis 20mg
is viagra or cialis stronger
[url=http://cialisttk.com/]cialis generic[/url]
You actually explained that really well!
http://cialisttk.com/
cialis y sus efectos secundarios
cialis 20 mg
what should i tell my doctor to get cialis
[url=http://cialispego.com/]cheap cialis[/url]
Thanks, Lots of information.
http://cialispego.com/
cialis good or bad
cialis generic
cialis 18 anni
[url=https://www.cialisfidel.com/]cialis without a doctor prescription[/url]
Kudos! I enjoy this!
http://cialismsnntx.com/
cialis tadalafil fiyatД±
cialis 20mg
potenzmittel cialis wirkung
[url=http://cialispego.com/]cialis without a doctor prescription[/url]
Kudos! Helpful information.
http://cialismsnrx.com/
cialis y dolor de piernas
cialis online
obat cialis 80 mg
[url=http://cialismsnntx.com/]cialis online[/url]
Amazing a lot of beneficial advice!
http://cialismsnrx.com/
cialis teneriffa
cialis 20 mg
mixing cialis and percocet
[url=https://www.cialismim.com/]cialis generic[/url]
Thanks. Numerous information.
https://www.cialismim.com/
cialis eli icos 20 mg
cialis generic
cialis 20mg 4 packungsbeilage
[url=https://www.cialismim.com/]cialis generic[/url]
Kudos. Ample tips!
http://cialispego.com/
cialis bei herzerkrankungen
cialis without a doctor prescription
cialis clonazepam interaction
[url=http://cialismsnntx.com/]cialis 20 mg[/url]
Terrific content. Thanks a lot.
http://cialispego.com/
medicare part d and cialis
cialis 20 mg
cialis y alergias
[url=https://www.cialisfidel.com/]generic cialis[/url]
Kudos. Lots of facts!
https://www.cialismim.com/
cialis claritin interaction
cialis 20 mg
cialis ed ansia da prestazione
[url=http://cialismsnntx.com/]generic cialis[/url]
Kudos, Helpful information!
http://cialispego.com/
nebenwirkung cialis-generika
cialis 20mg
porque no hace efecto el cialis
[url=http://cialispego.com/]cialis without a doctor prescription[/url]
Nicely put, Cheers.
https://www.cialisfidel.com/
cialis 10 mg comprimГ© pelliculГ© boГ®te de 28
cialis 20 mg
cialis gefälscht
[url=http://cialismsnrx.com/]cheap cialis[/url]
You explained that superbly.
http://cialispego.com/
viagra cialis sklep
cialis 20mg
ventas cialis
[url=https://www.cialismim.com/]cialis without a doctor prescription[/url]
Superb posts, Regards!
http://cialisttk.com/
comprar cialis en bilbao
cialis 20 mg
farmacia online cialis europa
[url=https://www.cialisfidel.com/]cialis 20mg[/url]
You made your position quite effectively..
http://cialismsnrx.com/
cialis professional rezeptfrei
generic cialis
cialis nota
[url=http://cialismsnntx.com/]cheap cialis[/url]
With thanks! Plenty of posts!
https://www.cialisfidel.com/
compare pharmacy prices for cialis
cialis 20mg
cialis effetti collaterali occhi
[url=http://cialisttk.com/]cialis without a doctor prescription[/url]
Appreciate it. An abundance of advice!
http://cialisttk.com/
wenn cialis nicht mehr wirkt
generic cialis
homГ¶opathische alternative zu cialis
[url=http://cialismsnrx.com/]cialis without a doctor prescription[/url]