Spreadsheet Data Entry
← All use cases

Personal finance

Monitor Recurring Payments and Subscriptions

Spreadsheet Data Entry helps you enter data into spreadsheets quickly from your phone: create forms, fill in fields, scan QR codes and barcodes, add photos, and save records to Google Sheets or locally.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play

More in this group

Track Daily Expenses with a Phone

When I pay for a purchase or spend cash, I want to record the amount, category, date, and comment quickly from my phone so that transactions are not lost and the budget spreadsheet stays accurate.

Track Cash Expenses Immediately After Purchase

When I pay for a purchase in cash, I want to record the amount, category, purchase location, and comment from my phone immediately so that the transaction is not lost and does not have to be reconstructed at the end of the month.

Track Shared Household Expenses

When several family members pay for shared purchases, I want each person to add the amount, category, and payer to one spreadsheet quickly so that we can see shared expenses without merging notes and banking apps.

Situation

When I pay rent, utilities, insurance, or a subscription, I want to record the amount and next payment date so that I can see recurring expenses and notice upcoming charges in advance.

Spreadsheet Data Entry vs Alternative Ways to Solve This

Alternative Limitations Why SDE is better
Recurring payment list in a notebook or calendar
Amounts, actual payments, and next dates are stored separately, and the list becomes outdated quickly
SDE lets you record the actual amount, payment date, and next date in one entry without re-entering data; it uses date and amount fields, category lists, and payment history in a spreadsheet.
Direct entry in Excel or Google Sheets from a phone
On a small screen it is difficult to find the correct row and column, and formulas, previous records, or the spreadsheet structure can be changed accidentally
SDE separates data entry from spreadsheet editing: the user sees only the required fields, and values are placed automatically in the columns configured for the “Monitor Recurring Payments and Subscriptions” use case.
Calendar reminders
They remind you about a date but do not create payment history or show the actual budget commitment
SDE collects all required values in one guided form and immediately creates a structured row for the “Monitor Recurring Payments and Subscriptions” use case.
Subscription and recurring payment app
Convenient for standard subscriptions but may not cover rent, insurance, or custom categories
SDE can be launched without a full implementation: create a form, connect Google Sheets, and use only the fields required for the “Monitor Recurring Payments and Subscriptions” use case.

How to Set Up SDE with Google Sheets

1

Install the app and sign in with Google

Download SDE, sign in with Google, and grant access to your Google account so the app can work with your Google Sheets.

  1. Install SDE on your smartphone.
  2. Open the app.
  3. Sign in or create an account with Google.
  4. Open Settings.
  5. Connect the Google account you want to use with Google Sheets.
  6. Confirm access.

The app is ready to work with Google Sheets.

2

Create a spreadsheet and connect a form

Prepare a Google Sheet and create a new SDE form that will send data to the required worksheet.

  1. Create a Google Sheet.
  2. Add a worksheet for collecting data.
  3. Tap “Create form” in SDE.
  4. Enter the form name.
  5. Select Google Sheets as the storage destination.
  6. Choose the required spreadsheet and worksheet with the assistant, or paste the link manually.

The form is connected to Google Sheets and ready for field configuration.

3

Add form fields and map them to spreadsheet columns

Configure the fields users will complete on their phones and specify which Google Sheets column should store each value.

  1. Open the form field editor.
  2. Add the required fields, such as date, barcode, item name, quantity, and location.
  3. Select the appropriate data type for every field.
  4. Specify the destination column for each field: A, B, C, and so on.
  5. Mark required fields when needed.
  6. Save the form.

The form is fully configured and ready for data entry.

4

Open the form and send data to the spreadsheet

Open the completed form, fill it in on your phone, and send the first record. The data will appear in Google Sheets immediately.

  1. Open the saved form.
  2. Complete the fields or scan a code.
  3. Tap “Submit”.
  4. Wait for the successful submission confirmation.
  5. Open Google Sheets and check the new data row.

The data was submitted successfully and appeared in the spreadsheet.

Template

Ready-to-use Google Sheets template: Recurring Payments

Copy the ready-made spreadsheet to your Google Drive, connect it to an SDE form, and start collecting data from your phone. The template already includes the required columns, formulas (where needed), filters, and a sample row.

Open template

Result

RECURRING PAYMENTS ARE VISIBLE IN ADVANCE

Save the payment and next date in one record.

  • the list of required payments stays current
  • upcoming dates can be highlighted in the spreadsheet
  • fixed budget commitments are easier to assess

FAQ

Which fields are needed for a recurring payment?

Name, category, amount, payment date, next date, payment method, and comment.

How do I highlight upcoming payments?

Use conditional formatting on the next-date column.

How do I track a changed amount?

Submit a new record for each payment with the actual amount.

Can I track different currencies?

Yes. Add a separate Currency list field.

Does SDE calculate monthly totals?

No. Totals and forecasts are calculated with formulas in Google Sheets.

Get started

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play