Problem: Broker apps show activity, but not always the cross‑account view you need—especially for allocation, tax lots, or “what do I actually own?”
Promise: A simple Google Sheets ledger for symbols, shares, accounts, and notes—so decisions start from clarity, not scattered screenshots.
This is not a recommendation to buy or sell securities. For personalized advice, talk to a licensed advisor. For AI on money questions in Sheets, see AI financial guidance in Google Sheets.
What to track (practical minimum)
- Identity: ticker or fund, account, asset type (stock, ETF, fund), currency if not USD.
- Quantity and basis: shares/units and your cost basis fields as your broker defines them—keep notes if you merge multiple purchases.
- Role in plan: is this long‑term core, satellite, or experimental—so allocation reviews stay grounded.
| Sheet habit | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Monthly “snapshot” row | Compare holdings over time without day‑trading the file |
| Separate tab for cash + debt | Net worth context next to market positions |
| Use GOOGLEFINANCE sparingly | Handy for last price; verify symbols and delays against your broker |
Scope: Tracking is for visibility and reporting—not predictions. If a cell pushes you to act impulsively, simplify the dashboard.
Broader money picture: how much should you invest each month. Templates: Google Sheets finance templates.
Related: Google Sheets net worth template, how much money do you need to retire, and the finance answers hub.
Start a clean workbook: Start with the sheet.