June 30, 2009 Day-to-day money management Play video

(NECN) - Managing money day-to-day can be a tricky and time consuming business, but it does not need to be.

Certified financial planner Jennifer Lane has been receiving a lot of viewer questions about the best way to keep track of expenses and earnings.

She answers these questions in the video player above:

Do you still like Mint.com to do home finances? Any problems you know of? Do you use it? -- Bonnie in Bedford

Online Account Aggregators

• Mint.com
• Yodlee.com
• Wesabe.com
• Geezeo.com
• QuickenOnline.com

On your computer

• Quicken
• GNUCash

What's the best way to track expenses without using a computer? -- Christine in Boston

Paper tracking

• 3 separate accounts
• Two checking accounts for Fixed and Variable expenses
• At least one savings account for Non-monthly expenses

Divide your paycheck

• Fixed expenses: rent, loans, insurance
• Variable expenses: groceries, health co-pays, gas
• Non-monthly expenses: gifts, holidays, kids activities

Best Practices

• Check credit union on small bank for lower fees
• Check transactions at least once per week
• Use cash for extras