Keeping track of receipts can be a tedious but necessary task for both personal finance and taxes. Rather than stuffing receipts into a shoebox or folder, you can organize them in a dedicated receipt book. This keeps everything neat and in one place for easy access later. Making your own receipt book is also a cost-effective way to store receipts compared to buying pre-made books. With some simple materials and time, you can create a custom receipt book tailored to your needs.
Why Make a Receipt Book?
There are several advantages to keeping receipts organized in a dedicated book:
- Keeps receipts in one place so they don’t get lost.
- Allows you to quickly find a receipt when needed for returns, warranties, taxes, etc.
- Helps you stay organized for personal finance tracking and budgeting.
- Provides evidence of purchases in case of disputes over billing/charges.
- Creates a record of purchases that can help identify tax deductions.
- Can track business expenses if used for work/self-employment finances.
- Customized to have specific sections/pockets based on your needs.
- Typically less expensive than buying a pre-made receipt book.
Having receipts neatly organized can save time and hassle when you need to locate a specific receipt or reference purchases for your records.
What You Need to Make a Receipt Book
Making your own receipt book only requires a few simple supplies:
- Blank book/notebook – This will be the base for your receipt book. Choose a small notebook or journal that’s lightweight. Opt for one that lies flat when open.
- Adhesive pockets – These will stick onto the pages of your book to hold receipts. Get adhesive pockets designed for receipts, which are typically 3.5″ wide x 5″ tall.
- Scissors – For trimming down pockets or customizing your book.
- Tape (optional) – Helpful for reinforcing pockets or creating custom sections.
- Labels (optional) – Can be used to create categories for different types of receipts.
You may also want decorative paper, stickers, washi tape, etc. if you wish to customize the appearance of your receipt book.
How to Make the Receipt Book
Follow these steps to create your own receipt book:
- Choose a notebook or journal. Pick one that is a smaller size to keep your receipt book compact. Make sure it has enough pages to accommodate the number of receipts you expect to store.
- Add adhesive pockets. Start at the front of your blank notebook and stick pockets onto each page, aligning the bottom with the page edge. Press each firmly to adhere. Add pockets to as many pages as needed.
- Trim excess pocket material (optional). If your pockets are longer than the notebook pages, trim off any extra length for a cleaner look.
- Create sections or categories (optional). Use tape, labels, colored paper, etc. to divide receipt sections if desired. For example, create sections for grocery, dining out, home, transportation, etc.
- Decorate the cover (optional). Personalize your receipt book with decorative paper, stickers, labels with your name, etc.
- Start filling it! Put receipts in the corresponding pocket right after receiving them. Organize chronologically with newest in the front.
Be sure to label the spine and/or cover with “Receipts” so it’s easy to identify on your shelf or in a bag. Choose a notebook size that is convenient to carry with you so you always have it available to store receipts.
Tips for Organizing Your Receipt Book
Here are some tips for keeping your DIY receipt book tidy and useful:
- Categorize receipts by adding customized sections with tabs, pocket labels, etc.
- Put new receipts in the front and move older ones toward the back.
- Trim or fold overly long receipts to fit pocket size.
- Photocopy receipts that may fade over time.
- Write notes on receipts to jog your memory about purchases.
- Remove non-essential receipts periodically to keep things neat.
- Start a new book once the current one fills up.
- Store completed books securely for tax and personal finance records.
Maintaining organization will make it simpler to locate specific receipts and manage your finances.
Alternative Options for Storing Receipts
Although a receipt book is one popular storage method, here are some other options:
Receipt Apps
Many apps allow you to scan or photograph receipts to store them digitally. Helpful features include receipt capture, cloud storage, categorization, and expense tracking. Examples include Evernote, Shoeboxed, Expensify, and Receipt Bank.
Envelope Filing Method
Use envelopes or accordion files labeled with categories like “Grocery,” “Clothing,” “Home Improvement,” etc. to sort receipts. File envelopes in a box or drawer.
Scanner with Digital File System
Scan receipts to your computer as you accumulate them, saving files into digital folders by year and category. Use a document scanner or smartphone app.
Cloud Storage Services
Take photos of your receipts or scan/upload them to online cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud, etc. Organize them into digital folders. Access receipts from any device.
Conclusion
A DIY receipt book is an easy project that helps keep your financial records organized. The benefits include never losing a receipt, quick access when needed, tax preparation help, business expense tracking, budgeting, and personal finance management. Make your own customized receipt book in just a few simple steps. With a little effort upfront, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your receipts are neatly filed away in their own dedicated book. Your future self will thank you when it’s time to prepare taxes or find a receipt for returns!