To track this, I created a “Reimbursable” category. When I travel for business, I put everything on my personal card (for the credit card rewards), and then later I file expense reports. This saves me tedious work while still giving me the data points I want to see. Instead, I have my investment accounts set up as “Asset” tracking accounts and I reconcile the account every month or so.
If I want to see the breakdown, I can check my 1099 or account reporting services. I created a “CC Rewards” Payee to lump them all together. While this is technically income, I don’t really want tiny transactions of $20-$50 cluttering up my income list on the reports tab.
Some of my credit cards offer cashback services. Where “Company” is replaced by the various businesses that I’m working with. If you have a W2 and take a salary + bonus and some equity, you’ll want to split up the income streams for tax purposes and trend analysis. Split Up Your Income Streamsįor those with multiple sources of income (salary, bonus, equity, dividends, etc), it can be messy to figure out exactly what money came from where. If you are a high-income earner with sometimes complicated financials, there are a few tips and tricks that will make your budgeting life easier. Those with large incomes might find their salaries become even more powerful with the intentionality and analysis that a budget can offer.
I’ve found that no matter how much you earn, a budget is still useful. Since starting YNAB, I’ve managed to cut 20% of my monthly spending overhead and track my FIRE progress.
I’m a software engineer in Silicon Valley, and I’ve been using YNAB for two years.