10 Simple Ways to Track Your Online Purchases

Keeping tabs on your digital spending doesn't have to be a headache. Here's a quick rundown of 10 easy methods to track your online purchases:

1. Purchasd: Automatically syncs orders from major retailers
2. Email organization: Create folders for receipts and shipping info
3. Spreadsheets: DIY tracking with Excel or Google Sheets
4. Phone apps: Use Mint, YNAB, or PocketGuard to monitor expenses
5. Calendar-based tracking: Mark purchases on your digital calendar
6. Bank app integration: Many now offer built-in purchase categorization
7. Cloud storage: Store digital receipts in Google Drive or Dropbox
8. Digital wallet records: Check Apple Pay or Google Pay transaction history
9. Browser tools: Use extensions like Amazon Order History Reporter
10. Accounting software: QuickBooks or Xero for business purchases

Quick Comparison:

The best method? It's the one you'll actually use consistently. Pick a system that fits your habits and stick with it to gain control over your online spending.

Related video from YouTube

Managing Digital Receipts

Gone are the days of stuffing paper receipts into shoeboxes. Let's talk about how to wrangle your digital receipts like a pro.

Email: Your New Receipt Organizer

Here's a simple system that'll turn your inbox into a receipt-tracking powerhouse:

1. Create two folders: "To Record" and "Follow Up"

2. "To Record" folder: This is where you'll stash purchase confirmations and payment notices

3. "Follow Up" folder: For shipping info and return details

Financial blogger Andrea Dekker swears by this method:

"All you have to do is create 2 files/folders/labels within your email account."

She's been using it for over 5 years. It's that good.

Supercharge Your System with Email Filters

Want to take it up a notch? Set up email filters. Here's how in Gmail:

1. Click the search bar
2. Hit the filter icon (it looks like a funnel)
3. Type in keywords like "receipt" or "order confirmation"
4. Click "Create filter"
5. Choose what you want to happen (like "Skip the Inbox" and "Apply the label")

Now your receipts will sort themselves. Magic.

Digital Receipt Methods: The Showdown

Nail Your Digital Receipt Game

Some tips to keep you on track:

• File receipts right after buying
• Use clear labels
• Clean out your "Follow Up" folder regularly
• Back up your data

And here's a fun fact: The IRS is cool with digital receipts. So this isn't just about being organized - it's about being ready for tax time too.

1. Using Purchasd

Purchasd is a game-changer for tracking online purchases. It's like having a personal assistant who keeps tabs on your spending, but without the awkward small talk.

Here's why Purchasd is worth checking out:

It's basically magic: The Chrome extension syncs orders from big names like Target and Costco. You don't lift a finger - your purchases just show up in your account.

Time machine for your wallet: Got a pile of old receipts? Purchasd lets you import years of purchase data. It's like financial archaeology, but way less dusty.

Numbers nerd's dream: Purchasd doesn't just tell you how much you spent. It breaks down your spending by store, product, and probably your zodiac sign (okay, maybe not that last one).

Here's what you get:

For $2.99 a month, the Individual plan gives you all this without making your wallet cry. It's less than a fancy coffee, but way more useful for your financial health.

The best part? Purchasd makes it easy to stick with tracking. No more forgetting to log that impulse buy at 2 AM. With everything synced automatically, you'll have a clear picture of your spending habits. It might even help you resist that 17th pair of shoes you definitely don't need (but kinda want).

2. Email Organization

Want to turn your inbox into a purchase tracking powerhouse? Here's how:

Create two main folders: "To Record" for purchase confirmations and "Follow Up" for shipping info. Then, set up filters to sort emails automatically.

In Gmail:

1. Click the search bar
2. Hit the filter icon
3. Type keywords like "receipt" or "order confirmation"
4. Click "Create filter"
5. Choose actions like "Skip the Inbox" and "Apply the label"

Use labels to categorize your purchase emails:

Pro tip: Use label:^smartlabel_receipt in Gmail to find all your emailed receipts at once.

Create a master filter to catch all purchase-related emails:

• Subject: "Order Receipt"|"your order"|"order confirmation"|"your payment"|"your amazon order"
• Action: Skip the Inbox and apply the label "Orders"

File purchase confirmations right after buying. Move shipping emails to "Follow Up" immediately. Clean out "Follow Up" regularly to keep things tidy.

"All you have to do is create 2 files/folders/labels within your email account." - Andrea Dekker, productivity expert

This system saves time, reduces stress, and keeps your purchase info organized. Perfect for tax season, too!

3. Basic Spreadsheet Method

Don't want to mess with fancy apps? A simple spreadsheet can track your online purchases just fine. It's free, you can tweak it however you want, and it gets the job done.

Here's how to set up your own purchase tracking spreadsheet:

1. Pick your tool: Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel are solid choices. Both have free templates to get you going.

2. Set up your columns: Start with these basics:

   • Date
   • Item description
   • Price
   • Vendor
   • Category (like Food, Fun, Bills)

3. Throw in some extras if you want:

   • Order number
   • Shipping status
   • When it's supposed to show up

4. Use formulas: Let the spreadsheet do the math. SUM up your spending by category or month.

Here's what your spreadsheet might look like:

Want to level up? Use pivot tables. They're like spreadsheet magic for summarizing data.

"A good budget isn't set-and-forget. You've got to keep an eye on it and tweak it based on how you actually spend." - Some finance guru

The secret sauce? Consistency. Log your purchases right away, or set a time to update your sheet regularly.

Make it yours: Set up categories that match how you spend. If you're a gamer, maybe "Video Games" gets its own category.

Color coding isn't just for looks: It can help you spot trends fast. Maybe green for needs and red for wants?

4. Phone Apps for Tracking

Your smartphone can be your secret weapon for tracking online purchases. Let's look at some apps that'll help you keep tabs on your spending without breaking a sweat.

Popular Expense Tracking Apps

YNAB: Not Your Average Budget App

YNAB isn't just about tracking - it's about planning your money BEFORE you spend it.

Here's why YNAB is different:

• Try it free for 34 days
• Give every dollar a job
• Adjust your budget on the fly
• Learn from live workshops and budgeting tips

One YNAB fan said: "I saved $3,000 more in six months than I did all last year!"

Getting the Most Out of These Apps

Want to make these apps work harder for you? Here's how:

1. Link ALL your accounts
2. Sort your transactions regularly
3. Set goals you can actually reach
4. Check in weekly

Remember: The best app is the one you'll actually use. So try a few and see what clicks.

Ditch the Paper with Receipt Scanning

Tired of keeping track of paper receipts? Try these apps:

• Expensify: 25 free scans a month, or unlimited for $5/month
• Zoho Expense: Free for basics, $4 per user/month for fancy features

These apps use smart tech to pull info from your receipts, making expense tracking a snap.

5. Calendar-Based Tracking

Turn your calendar into a financial crystal ball. Here's how:

Set Up Your Financial Calendar

Pick a calendar app (Google Calendar works great) and:

1. Mark your paydays
2. Schedule bill due dates
3. Set savings transfer reminders
4. Note special occasions that might impact spending

Color-Code for Clarity

Use colors to categorize:

This visual system gives you a quick financial snapshot.

Set Smart Reminders

Don't just add events - use reminders:

• Alert yourself before bill due dates
• Schedule regular spending reviews
• Set notifications for estimated taxes if you're self-employed

Track Your Spending

Add each purchase to your calendar. It helps spot spending patterns and keeps you accountable.

"I've gone from 'making ends meet' to setting aside extra money that will pay off debts and student loans in a very comfortable fashion." - Christian G, calendar-based budgeting user

Plan for the Future

Use your calendar to:

• Estimate future account balances
• Plan for big expenses
• Visualize savings goal timelines

Leverage Calendar-Based Apps

While basic calendars work, specialized apps offer more:

The secret sauce? Consistency. Update regularly for a clear financial picture.

6. Bank App Tracking

Your bank's mobile app is more than just a balance checker. It's a spending tracker powerhouse. Here's how to use it:

Automatic Transaction Categorization

Bank apps now sort your spending automatically. The U.S. Bank Mobile App, for example, categorizes transactions and shows 18 months of history.

To see this in the U.S. Bank app:

1. Pick your account
2. Tap the magnifying glass
3. Choose "Date", then "Last 18 months"
4. Hit "See results"
5. Scroll and tap "View more transactions"

Customizable Categories

Want to get specific? Some apps let you make your own categories. Bank of America's app allows custom subcategories. Trying to cut back on lattes? Create a "Coffee" subcategory under "Food & Dining".

Spending Insights

Bank apps now offer smart spending data. You'll typically see:

Budgeting Tools

Many apps now include budgeting features. Bank of America's Spending & Budgeting tool lets you view all transactions, compare spending to income, and set budgets.

To set up a budget in the Bank of America app:

1. Open the app and pick your account
2. Find the Spending & Budgeting section
3. Tap "SPENDING & BUDGETING"
4. Hit "Set Your Budget" and confirm your income

Search and Filter

Need to find a specific purchase? Most apps let you search by date, amount, or merchant. Great for tracking down mystery charges or totaling up your Amazon splurges.

Maximizing Your Bank App

• Link all accounts for a full financial picture
• Check transactions weekly
• Set up alerts for big purchases or budget limits
• Adjust views to focus on what matters to you

Just remember: these tools are great, but not perfect. Always double-check important transactions and watch for errors or fraud.

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7. Cloud Storage Setup

Cloud storage is perfect for keeping your online purchase records organized. It's like a digital filing cabinet you can access anywhere. Here's how to use cloud storage to keep your receipts in order.

Why Cloud Storage?

Cloud storage has some big advantages for receipt tracking:

• Access receipts from anywhere
• Automatic backups prevent loss
• Quick and easy organization

Setting Up Your Cloud Receipt System

Here's a simple setup process:

1. Pick a cloud service

Google Drive, Dropbox, and Evernote are all good options.

2. Create a folder structure

Make a main "Receipts" folder with subfolders for each year and month.

3. Name files consistently

Use a format like "YYYY-MM-DD_Store_Item.pdf" for easy sorting.

4. Use the mobile app

Take photos of paper receipts on the go and upload them right away.

Cloud Storage Options Compared

Pro Tips for Cloud Receipt Management

• Scan receipts right after purchase
• Use smart folders in Google Drive to auto-sort receipts
• Enable version history in Dropbox for easy file recovery

"I've gone from 'making ends meet' to setting aside extra money that will pay off debts and student loans in a very comfortable fashion." - Christian G, a user who switched to cloud-based receipt tracking

Automating Your Receipt Uploads

For the tech-savvy:

• Use IFTTT to send email attachments to your cloud storage
• Set up email filters to forward receipts to a cloud storage email address

The IRS accepts digital copies of receipts, so you can go paperless. Just make sure you can produce a clear, readable copy if needed.

8. Digital Wallet Records

Digital wallets are more than just payment tools. They're your personal finance trackers. Here's how to use them to keep an eye on your online shopping:

Apple Pay: Quick Transaction Checks

Want to see what you've bought? Here's how:

• iPhone: Open Wallet, tap a card, view transactions
• Apple Watch: Same deal, but on your wrist
• Mac with Touch ID, iPad, or Apple Vision Pro: Go to Wallet & Apple Pay settings

Remember: Always double-check with your bank statement for the full picture.

Google Pay: Your Financial Snapshot

Google Pay takes it up a notch:

• Links all your cards
• Shows "You have" and "You spent" summaries
• Lets you search and filter transactions

Cool feature: It can scan your Gmail and Google Photos for receipts. Automatic purchase history? Yes, please.

Apple Pay vs Google Pay: What's the Difference?

Make the Most of Your Digital Wallet

1. Check it weekly. Set a reminder.

2. Use the built-in analytics. Where's your money going?

3. Turn on notifications. Catch big purchases in real-time.

4. Feed it into your budget. Let the data guide your spending.

5. Spot a weird charge? Digital wallets make it easy to dispute.

Digital wallets aren't just for paying. They're your financial sidekick. Use them wisely, and you'll have a clearer picture of your spending habits.

9. Browser Tools

Browser extensions can supercharge your online purchase tracking. These tools plug right into your browser, making it a breeze to keep an eye on your spending as you shop.

Here are some powerful extensions to help you track your online purchases:

Amazon Order History Reporter

This Chrome extension is a must-have for Amazon shoppers. Here's how it works:

1. Install it from the Chrome Web Store
2. Log into Amazon
3. Pick your date range and select "Show totals in csv downloads"
4. Hit "Download spreadsheet ('.csv')" to get your data

You can grab years of orders and mash them into one spreadsheet. It's like having your entire Amazon history in your pocket.

Expense Tracker

This Chrome extension helps you set and stick to spending limits. It lets you:

• Set monthly, weekly, or yearly spending caps
• Get alerts when you're about to blow your budget
• Manage your expenses with a user-friendly interface

It's like having a mini-accountant living in your browser.

Price Comparison Tools

Want to find the best deals? These extensions have got you covered:

These tools can help you save cash and shop smarter.

Rakuten Cash Back Button

This extension pulls double duty:

• Activates cash back right on store sites
• Applies coupon codes at checkout

In 2022, Rakuten users raked in over $1 billion in cash back. That's a lot of extra dough.

Capital One Shopping

Don't worry, you don't need a Capital One card to use this. It offers:

• Price comparisons across multiple sites
• Automatic coupon code application
• Price drop alerts

"Capital One Shopping has saved our users over $160 million in the last year", said a Capital One spokesperson in 2023.

Just remember, while these tools are super helpful, it's smart to check their privacy policies. Some might track your browsing habits, so be sure you're cool with that before you install.

10. Accounting Software

Accounting software can supercharge your online purchase tracking, especially for small businesses or complex finances. Let's dive into how these tools can help you keep tabs on your spending:

QuickBooks Online: The All-in-One Solution

QuickBooks Online is a favorite among small businesses. Here's why:

• It automatically calculates sales tax and due dates
• Integrates with many e-commerce platforms
• Starts at $35/month

Xero: Team-Friendly Option

Xero shines when you're working with a team:

• No limit on users
• Cloud-based for anywhere access
• Starts at $15/month

Zoho Books: Budget-Conscious Choice

Zoho Books is great for startups or businesses with tight budgets:

• Free for annual revenue under $50,000
• Offers automated purchase categorization

Picking the Right Software

When choosing accounting software for tracking online purchases, consider:

Tips for Making the Most of Your Accounting Software

1. Import Often: Set up automatic imports from your bank and cards.

2. Use Mobile Apps: Snap receipt photos right after purchasing.

3. Categorize Smart: Create custom categories for online purchases.

4. Regular Reconciliation: Match tracked purchases with bank statements frequently.

Tips for Better Tracking

Want to level up your purchase tracking? It's not just about the tools - it's about smart habits. Here's how to become a tracking pro:

Set a Regular Review Schedule

Make tracking a habit:

• Pick a day each week to review your purchases. Aim for 8-9 days after the week ends to catch all transactions.
• Do a deep dive every six months. Look for trends and tweak your budget.

Financial expert Rachel Cruze says: "Do a mid-year budget review (or quarterly if you can) to set yourself up for success."

Organize Your Data

Keep your purchase info neat:

1. Create a Dedicated Folder

Set up a folder on your computer or in the cloud for digital receipts.

2. Use Descriptive File Names

Name files with date, store, and item. Example: "2023-05-15_Amazon_Headphones.pdf"

3. Categorize Your Spending

Group purchases as "Essentials", "Wants", and "Savings" to see where your money's going.

Backup Your Data

Don't lose your purchase history:

Keep Your Data Safe

Protect your purchase info:

• Use tough passwords for all financial accounts and tracking tools.
• Turn on two-factor authentication.
• Encrypt files with sensitive financial data.

Streamline Your Process

Make tracking easier:

• Snap photos of receipts right away.
• Set up automatic imports from your bank and credit cards.
• Use mobile apps that sync across devices.

Analyze Your Spending

Don't just track - understand:

• Look for spending patterns.
• Mark purchases based on need, regret, and joy.
• Check if your actual spending matches your budget.

Which Method Works Best?

There's no perfect way to track online purchases. It depends on what you need, how you shop, and your budget. Let's look at some options:

Dedicated Tracking Apps

Apps like Purchasd are great for frequent online shoppers.

Purchasd syncs orders from Target and Costco. You see what you spend on each item, not just the total. It's $2.99 a month.

Email Organization

Want a free option? Organize your email.

Set up Gmail filters for "order confirmation" to label and archive purchase emails automatically.

Spreadsheet Tracking

Like DIY? Use Excel or Google Sheets.

Good if you like working with data and want full control.

Bank App Integration

Many bank apps now track purchases.

The U.S. Bank app categorizes transactions and shows 18 months of history.

Cloud Storage Solutions

Use Google Drive or Dropbox for digital receipts.

Great for keeping records for taxes or business.

Accounting Software

For business owners or freelancers, try accounting software.

QuickBooks Online starts at $17.50/month. It scans receipts and categorizes expenses.

The Bottom Line

Choose based on what matters to you:

• Want automation and details? Try apps like Purchasd.
• Need it free? Use email or spreadsheets.
• For business? Go with accounting software.
• Keep it simple? Use your bank app.

Wrap-Up

Tracking online purchases isn't just about inbox management. It's about taking control of your finances and spending smarter. Here's what you need to know:

Why Track Your Purchases?

Tracking your purchases gives you a clear picture of where your money's going. It helps you stick to your budget, spot any weird transactions, and makes tax time way less of a headache.

Picking Your Tracking Method

Different methods work for different people:

• Dedicated apps like Purchasd are great if you shop online a lot
• Email organization works if you're on a tight budget
• Spreadsheets are perfect for data nerds
• Bank app integration gives you real-time updates
• Cloud storage keeps your records safe and accessible

Tips for Effective Tracking

1. Set a Schedule

Check your purchases weekly. Wait about 8-9 days after the week ends to make sure you catch everything.

2. Organize Smart

Use clear file names. Something like "2023-05-15_Amazon_Headphones.pdf" makes it easy to find later.

3. Backup Your Data

Don't risk losing your financial info. Use cloud storage or an external hard drive.

4. Look for Patterns

Are you buying stuff you need? Things that make you happy? Or things you regret?

5. Use Automation

Tools like Purchasd can save you time by syncing orders from big retailers.

"Tracking your purchases can help you control your shopping." - Financial experts

The best method? It's the one you'll actually use. Whether you go high-tech or stick to a simple spreadsheet, consistency is key.

FAQs

How do you keep track of what you buy?

Tracking your purchases doesn't have to be a headache. Here's how to do it:

Use an expense-tracking app. Empower, Expensify, or NerdWallet can help you log and sort your spending.

Set up a regular check-in. Look over your expenses weekly or monthly. It's a simple habit that keeps you in the loop on your spending patterns.

Your bank's app might surprise you. Many now come with built-in purchase tracking and sorting features.

Like to DIY? A basic spreadsheet can be your best friend for tracking purchases.

What is the best app to keep track of spending?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer, but here's a quick rundown of some top apps:

NerdWallet stands out if you're looking for a free, all-around option. PCMag says, "NerdWallet is our favorite totally free app. It combines bank account imports and transaction management with excellent information about your credit score."

For online shopping addicts, Purchasd might be worth a look. At $2.99/month, it syncs orders from big retailers like Target and Costco, giving you detailed reports on your spending and individual products.