The 'double reporting' idea might have been why I just flat out shook my head when I saw the one presentation on 'ledger' in Emacs on YouTube a while ago as its a bit too complicated and unnecessary for a layman.

I just don't need that kind of over-thinking when it comes to my finances since I just need a spreadsheet that listed expenses, and to count totals. That's about it.

I will take a look at the other suggestions with specific Org Mode formulas, looked awesome, thanks.

On Mon, Jan 10, 2022, at 10:31 AM, Greg Minshall wrote:
> > I'm wondering if your opinion about Ledger isn't influenced by the fact
> > that it uses basic accounting principles, like the idea of double-entry
> > accounting.  For me, it's /very/ simple and intuitive, but I graduated
> > in economics many years ago and had a (basic, but still) course on
> > accounting.  If that is your problem, I'd suggest spending some time on
> > understanding that - even if you don't end up using Ledger but some
> > other software, you might find learning about accounting useful.  (Also,
> > it's fascinating.  No, really!  It's an extremely clever abstract
> > system with a real-life use-case.)
> 
> i agree that learning the principles of double-entry is worthwhile,
> actually interesting, and of a very interesting history!
>