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Double-entry accounting for personal finance
The accounting equation, debits and credits in plain words, and six household entries worked through so every one balances: a paycheck, a mortgage payment, a credit-card purchase, a transfer, a 401(k) contribution and a car loan.
About 12 minutes
Template
A personal chart of accounts
A 91-account starter chart for a household, numbered and grouped so statements come out in a sensible order, with notes on how to adapt it. Copy it from the page or download it as Excel, free and without signing up.
About 9 minutes, plus the download
Switching
A QuickBooks Desktop alternative for personal finances
Where Intuit's support for Desktop stands, what to look for in a replacement when the books are your own household's, and how to bring years of history with you instead of starting over.
About 8 minutes
More guides are on the way. If there is an accounting question about your own money you would like one written for, tell us.