FAQ
Questions, answered straight
Where are my files?
Right after checkout, your download page lists every file for what you bought: Excel and Google Sheets copies, clean and filled example copies, and the one-page QuickStart PDF for each tracker. The same links are in your checkout email. Download them all and keep the clean copies untouched as your backups.
Sheets or Excel — which do I open?
Either. Open the file with GoogleSheets in its name in Google Sheets (import it, then File → Make a copy and work in your copy), or open the plain file in Microsoft Excel. Both copies do the same math. The Sheets vs Excel guide walks through the small differences.
What if I type over a formula?
Formula cells are locked and every sheet is protected, and you type only in the pale amber cells, so typing over a formula should not happen. If a number ever looks wrong, close the file, return to your untouched clean copy, and re-enter just the pale cells.
Can I use it on my phone?
Yes. The Google Sheets app and the Excel app both open these files and the formulas work the same. Wide tabs are easier on a bigger screen, but checking a number on your phone works fine.
Is there a monthly fee or an account?
No. Every price on this site is a one-time payment, and the files are yours to keep. There is no TrackersByHand account to sign into — your spreadsheet lives in your Sheets or Excel, not on our server.
What is the difference between the clean copy and the example copy?
The example copy is filled with a worked example so you can see how the finished thing looks and check the numbers quoted on the product page. The clean copy is the same workbook with no data in it — that is the one you make your own copy of and use.
Do the bundles include everything?
The Money System is the four money trackers. The All-Hub Bundle is all six trackers. The Sold Ledger is not in either bundle — it is sold on its own site; see the Sold Ledger page.
Is the starter really free?
Yes. The One-Page Budget Starter is a direct download of both files, no email needed and nothing to buy.
Is this financial or tax advice?
No. These are organization and planning tools. The rental tracker's tax summary is shaped like Schedule E so your records are organized for your preparer, who makes the calls. See the disclaimer.