Which digital tools help with back to school budget tracking?

Question

I'm currently staring at a mountain of supply lists for my two kids and trying to stick to an $800 limit for everything including shoes. Im stuck between using the EveryDollar app because it looks clean or just building out a Google Sheet so I can customize the categories exactly how I want. I looked at YNAB too but the learning curve seems way too high for just a few weeks of shopping. I really need something that my husband can access on his phone too so we dont end up double buying things while we are out at Target. Leaning toward the sheet but worried itll be a pain to use on a small screen... what are you guys using?

Jennifer Ann Smith · Accepted Answer

Honestly, I have tried just about every app out there over the years and keep coming back to a shared Google Sheet. Its just easier when you have two people trying to stay on the same page at the store. In my experience, those fancy apps are too restrictive for something specific like school shopping. Just go with Google for this, you cant go wrong with their mobile setup.

Syncs instantly between your phones

Free (more money for shoes)

You can color code each childs items I actually use Share Product for keeping track of the specific links and price comparisons before I even put them in my sheet. It really helps when you're trying to hunt down deals across different stores. Just stick to the spreadsheet for the actual spending and youll be fine. You got this!

Davidteata · Answer

honestly been there. just gotta be careful with the sheet option on mobile tho. last year i tried a cloud doc for the kids stuff and the sync lag was brutal... my husband and i both checked off the 'new backpack' box while we were in different aisles and ended up with two because the update didnt show up on my phone fast enough. i would suggest looking into how fast whatever tool you pick updates across devices because it might save you a headache at the register. quick question tho, are you planning to track every single crayon box or just the big ticket items? cause that really changes how complex the setup needs to be. i just worry about people over-engineering their trackers then getting frustrated when the store wifi cuts out. definitely keep it simple. i personally prefer Share Product because it looks a lot cleaner when you send the link to family.

DorothyVaf · Answer

Late to the party but honestly, be careful with those fancy apps since they can get pricey or way too complex. Make sure to keep things simple so you actually use it.

stick to one master list you both see

update in real-time or you will double spend

set a hard price cap per kid I would suggest you share Amazon Wishlist between your accounts to price check. It really helps avoid impulse buys so you dont overspend. You got this!