Story Time: I had a dilemma. I was getting sponsored posts regularly but having a hard time keeping track of when they need to be posted, when I expect to be paid, and when I actually do get paid. That’s where my awesome husband came in and suggested I use a Blog Finance Tracker to track blog finances. I also wanted to have a way to keep track of my blog expenses so that I knew exactly what I was spending each month and then I knew what was coming in. So my husband created some templates for me to use (he’s awesome), and today I am sharing them with you as well as how I track blog finances!
I want to break down for you guys exactly what I do in the most simplistic way possible.
First lets talk about how I track money coming in:
Step 1: When you get an email saying you have gotten a new sponsored post, immediately go to your Sponsored Post Tracker and write in all of the information. From there you will see in front of you your requirements (a blog post, 4 tweets, 2 Instagram posts, etc), what you will be earning, and when the post is due.
Step 2: Obviously write your posts. I try to write sponsored posts a lot earlier than they are due. I do this for a few reasons. One reason is I do not like to be rushed. You can tell when a post was written at the last minute, and that brand probably won’t work with you again. Another reason is that you can go back and edit, change things, etc before it publishes. Lastly, if your post requires approval from the brand you give yourself plenty of time.
Step 3: As soon as you post your post, make a note that it’s posted. When you get paid, notate on the tracker the date you were paid. You can use this for tax purposes, for knowing what you are earning monthly, and generally being organized!
Next let’s talk about expenses aka money going out:
When you purchase something for your blog notate your blog purchase in your Blog Finance Tracker that you can download below! I keep track of EVERYTHING! Gas, things I buy specifically for blog posts, etc.
You want to make sure that you are marking your expenses in a way that makes sense to YOU. You can use the tracker below as an example. I have the date, the place I purchased the item(Amazon, Moo, Apple Store) the item(iPad, business cards, k-cups) and the amount. Then at the bottom I have the page number, the year and the total amount spent for that page. This is the PERFECT thing to bring in with you during tax time!
I can’t tell you how much time using these tools has saved me. No more going back through credit card statements or keeping a big box of receipts (still keep receipts for bigger purchases), no more frantically going through emails to figure out when blog posts are due or if you’ve been paid. I have just saved you hours and hours of time!
This is how I track blog finances and I hope you enjoy this AWESOME set of printables!
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This is great information, thanks. I haven’t yet started doing sponsored posts, although I’m hoping as my page views keep growing, I’ll be doing this very soon.
Great tips! I would love to know how did you make that box pop up asking for email address and name when I click to get the printables. I use Mail Chimp as well, but couldn’t figure this out yet :(. Thank you!!
This is great! I just sat down to do my taxes for last year and it was a bit of a nightmare because I was SO disorganized with keeping track of my expenses and income! I had to go through my paypal, look at credit card statements, the like, and it’s taken me HOURS! I’ve vowed to be WAY on top of tracking this stuff this year so I won’t have to experience the same headache again
This is so helpful! I am starting to get more sponsored opportunities and finding a way to keep track of it all is crucial. I am definitely going to take a look at this tool and start using it to keep myself organized! What ways do you typically get sponsored posts from?
Great idea, girl! I have a little tracker that I made for myself years ago too! I always write due dates into my planner and keep the links handy for what I need to include in my post. Then in my tracker I put when I sent in the info, the date I got paid, and how much it was/should have been. SO helpful!
I set up a Google doc and it’s been such a lifesaver! I will have to download yours and see if it helps me stay more on track! Anything to make life easier!
Aww your husband sounds so sweet! I’m trying to build my following so I can feel confident if I’m contacted by a sponser I can help them out! I’ll pin this because I will definitely need this help later! Thank you!
I do this too!
Most of the stuff I buy that relates to blogging currently is subscription services and e-courses so it’s easier to keep track of than every day purchases.
Thanks for the download! I am the worst at keeping track of stuff. I have a calendar/planner that I write in but it’s so messy with baby appointments and play dates etc that blog stuff gets lost. Also, I need to get better at writing posts ahead of time. I’m guilty of writing the day before!
I haven’t gotten any sponsored posts (I’m in the stage of having things offered to me for free, though!), but I will keep this for when I do start making money- super helpful. Thanks & have a great weekend!
I so needed this! I just started blogging about a month ago so I still have so much to learn. This is so helpful because right now i haven’t really been documenting this stuff all in one place. Thank you!
This is a terrific resource. Yay for hubby creating it and thank you for sharing. I have just now gotten to the point where this would be REALLY useful.
🙂
Traci
Thanks for these tips! I started out with a simple spreadsheet but might need to get more detailed with mine.
Great info! I’ll definitely be coming Barack for more.
Really useful insights, thanks for sharing 🙂
You have the most helping blogging tips — My blog resource Pinterest board about 90% your post. Thanks for sharing this one.
Great printables. Thanks for sharing this valuable post!
This is useful information. I guess I didn’t realize so much was involved in making money from a blog. Glad it’s going well for you!
I use a spreadsheet to keep track of my expenses and income. I have been using the same spreadsheet since 2009!
These are all excellent tips. I’m going to put these into practice for sure…pinning!
Love it! I use google drive for my tracking sheets so I have it everywhere. Love your organization!
This is great information, thanks. I haven’t yet started doing sponsored posts, although I’m hoping as my page views keep growing, I’ll be doing this very soon.
This is great! I wish I got enough sponsored posts to be able to use it, haha. Pinning with hopes for the future!
Great tips! I would love to know how did you make that box pop up asking for email address and name when I click to get the printables. I use Mail Chimp as well, but couldn’t figure this out yet :(. Thank you!!
Lots of great information. I really need to start doing this. :o/
Good information. I definitely need to take your advice on writing posts ahead because I always write them the night before (eeks)
Thanks much for sharing your experience and advice. It will be very useful going forward.
Such great ideas! 🙂
We use QuickBooks and track everything – and I mean everything! Makes great reports during tax time!
This is great! I just sat down to do my taxes for last year and it was a bit of a nightmare because I was SO disorganized with keeping track of my expenses and income! I had to go through my paypal, look at credit card statements, the like, and it’s taken me HOURS! I’ve vowed to be WAY on top of tracking this stuff this year so I won’t have to experience the same headache again
This is so helpful! I am starting to get more sponsored opportunities and finding a way to keep track of it all is crucial. I am definitely going to take a look at this tool and start using it to keep myself organized! What ways do you typically get sponsored posts from?
I am curious to know this, too!
Great idea, girl! I have a little tracker that I made for myself years ago too! I always write due dates into my planner and keep the links handy for what I need to include in my post. Then in my tracker I put when I sent in the info, the date I got paid, and how much it was/should have been. SO helpful!
Thank you for this! It is definitely so helpful!
What a great hubs to do this for you! Thanks so much for sharing the blog finance tracker with us!
Just what I needed. I am just getting into tracking expenses/ income. Thanks 🙂
Well this makes total sense. Thanks for sharing these insights
Just what I was looking for! I’ve been working on my receipts and incomes/expenses all week so I can file my taxes next week. Bleh. Thank you!
This is such an important topic. I can never find enough information on this. Thanks for sharing!
I set up a Google doc and it’s been such a lifesaver! I will have to download yours and see if it helps me stay more on track! Anything to make life easier!
I’m definitely looking forward to seeing these spreadsheets…I could use all the help I can get! Thanks for sharing.
Shannon
Clothes & Quotes
Great info! I’ve started doing more sponsored posts, so I’ll definitely need a way to keep track of everything. Thanks for the printables!
Aww your husband sounds so sweet! I’m trying to build my following so I can feel confident if I’m contacted by a sponser I can help them out! I’ll pin this because I will definitely need this help later! Thank you!
I do this too!
Most of the stuff I buy that relates to blogging currently is subscription services and e-courses so it’s easier to keep track of than every day purchases.
xoxo, Jenny
So helpful! Love the printable to keep me organized!
I am thinking I am finally hitting a point where I need to do this. We bought a bunch of cheese for a post this past weekend. Yup time to print a set.
I used to keep track of everything, but I’ve slacked off lately. This should get me back in gear!
Thanks for the download! I am the worst at keeping track of stuff. I have a calendar/planner that I write in but it’s so messy with baby appointments and play dates etc that blog stuff gets lost. Also, I need to get better at writing posts ahead of time. I’m guilty of writing the day before!
Such a useful post – I am so badly organised I need all the help I can get! Thanks
This came right on time, I just started making money with my blog. I need a way to track it all.
Thank you for posting
I haven’t gotten any sponsored posts (I’m in the stage of having things offered to me for free, though!), but I will keep this for when I do start making money- super helpful. Thanks & have a great weekend!
xo,
Kristie
This is absolutely perfect, Neely! I’m not seeing much income yet, but I need this to start tracking blog expenses. I’m so so glad you posted this!
Thanks for the worksheets, I’m pining this. I have a separate checking account for all things blog and business so that helps me stay organized too.
I so needed this! I just started blogging about a month ago so I still have so much to learn. This is so helpful because right now i haven’t really been documenting this stuff all in one place. Thank you!
I sure like these ideas! I feel so unorganized when it comes to blogging. Also, those printables are great! thank you!
This is a terrific resource. Yay for hubby creating it and thank you for sharing. I have just now gotten to the point where this would be REALLY useful.
🙂
Traci
Thanks for sharing these tips! Unfortunately I’m not even making money with my blogs -yet -but when I do, I will definitely review your tips again.
Thank you for the great advice and sharing your ideas for tracking blog income with us!