In this post, I will show you how I use Google Sheets to create an automated portfolio tracker that requires minimal input from the user.

I am planning for this post to be a series where I will break down the features of my spreadsheet in different posts and show you how you can create one of your own from scratch.

Why Have More than 1 Account?

Free stocks, that’s why.

In the past few years, investment brokers are starting to offer free stocks whenever you sign up with them and I am never one to pass up on free money/ assets.

For example, for the month of October, when you sign up for an account on WeBull using the link below and deposit $100, you will get 2 free stocks valued up to $1,600. Even if you ended up not buying any stocks and withdraw the $100, you still get to own the 2 free stocks

You will then repeat this process with Robinhood, where you can get a free stock when you use the link below.

So, in about 15 minutes worth of work, you just get 3 free stocks with virtually no capital.

Different Account Serves Different Purpose

Another reason is because you may have a tax advantaged account, retirement account and a regular tax-able portfolio account.

Just from the above reasons, if you are like me, you are going to already have at least 4 accounts which may belong to different brokerages.

Spreadsheet to the Rescue!

Anybody that knows me knows that I am a huge spreadsheet nerd. So, when I couldn’t find a portfolio tracker that ticks all the boxes like I need it, I decided to create my own using Microsoft Excel at first and later, Google Sheets.

I knew when I started my portfolio tracker, I wanted:

• Low maintenance (preferably once a month or once a quarter) and requires minimal input
• Cost Basis for my stocks after DRIP (Dividend Reinvestment Program)
• Number of shares after DRIP
• Dividend Tracking
• Deposit/ Capital Tracking
• The ability to access the spreadsheet anywhere

Portfolio Dashboard

The first page in my spreadsheet is my portfolio dashboard where I can see key information of my portfolio in a glance:

• Portfolio Value and total gain/ loss
• Cash available to purchase securities
• Average dividend yield of the portfolio and the yield on cost
• Annual income from dividend

I also included key charts and graphs because I like colorful things and charts and graphs allow a different visual perspective of my portfolio.

Charts and graphs include:

• Holdings by sectors
• Holdings by companies
• Monthly dividend income year to year

There is absolutely nothing that I need to input in this sheet and this sheet is strictly for aesthetic value and when I just need to look at key infos.

Capital

The next sheet is the capital page and where I keep track of how much I have invested into the accounts.

Every time I inject more capital into my portfolio, this page is where I record the entry, whether or not I purchase anything with said cash

Stock Portfolio Overview

This sheet lists all my portfolio values and holdings in detail and shows

• Ticker
• Number of shares and the cost basis
• Current price
• Today Change in price (in $ and %)
• Total Gain/ Loss (in $ and %)
• Annual Dividend, Dividend Yield & Yield on Cost
• Account that purchases the stock
• Sectors and Assets Type
• Allocation of the stocks in proportion to the whole portfolio
• Real time currency conversion based on USD

In this page, I only need to input cash available in each account, the ticker symbol the first time the stock is purchased and the account that purchases the said stock. Everything else will automatically be populated by the spreadsheet.

Lately I have been having problems with Google Sheets’ function to fetch the dividend information, as it keeps on timing out and returning “#N/A” result or errors. To tackle this, I set up 2 back-up functions using add-ons and iex token (which I will elaborate more on how to set up in my next posts).

Essentially when Google Sheets’ function returns an error, the spreadsheet will automatically fetch the dividend information using the iex token method or the “IMPORTFROMWEB” add-on method

I also included a real time currency converter in this page so based on the currency chosen (converted based on USD), every information in this page will be in the selected currency.

In the near future, I’m planning to make the cash part to be populated automatically by the spreadsheet based on the information from the capital sheet

Trade Log

This sheet records all trade transactions that I have done and will automatically update all the information in the stock portfolio sheet.

Every month, I recorded all the reinvested dividend, stock purchase or sales and my cost basis and number of shares will be updated automatically.

Dividend Overview

This sheet is where I keep track of everything dividend in my portfolio.

• How much dividend I earn by sector
• How much dividend I earn every month year to year
• How much dividend I earn by account

Of course I included charts.

I do have to input the monthly dividend manually because I set up my portfolio to reinvest its dividend but my plan is in the near future, even this will be automated based on the information from the trade log sheet.

Future Updates

I constantly update this spreadsheet based on my needs and suggestions from people that use this tracker.

For now, I am planning to include the following in the future updates:

• Automated available cash information
• Automated monthly dividend earned information
• Notifications via email when certain cells (e.g stock price, gain/ loss %) reach a value that interests the user
• Options contracts

Where Can You Get This Spreadsheet?

Like I mentioned above, I mean to create a series of posts where I will explain in detail how you can DIY this spreadsheet from scratch and this first post is just meant to be a walkthrough of what I am using

But, if you can’t wait or the DIY road is not something that you are interested in, this spreadsheet is also available for purchase via Gumroad.

Also, don’t forget, when you use these links, you will be able to claim your free stocks

As usual, leave a comment or hit me up if you have an suggestions on how you think I can do better.

Update #1: Continue to Part 2 (“Creating a Trade Log”) HERE!

Lately, as my son grew bigger, I found myself trying to find a lighter and smaller replacement for my laptop during these travels. There are times when I have to carry Mason for a prolonged period of time because he is cranky or when the content of my bagpack has to include toys and baby supplies. While not exactly heavy, my ASUS Zenbook still weighs around 1 kg without charger and takes up around 12″ x 7.5″ in my bagpack.

To get something as light as possible that can do 85% of my workload, I decided to use my iPad Mini as laptop replacement.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at NO cost to you. It just helps me pay for my hosting fee

The Bulk of the Workload

Before I can completely use my iPad to replace my laptop however, some changes to my work flow has to be done.

I made a rough plan of the bulk of work done on my laptop and also work that I usually do while I am traveling.

Most of the time if I am only gone for up to 10 days, my planned workload is

• 80% WhatsApp to communicate with my office
• 15% Emails
• 5% Creating files in Google Sheets/ data inputting

Speed of Information

I work in the inter-state public bus transportation industry and a bulk of our daily work is reacting to situations (car accidents or bus breaks down on the street) and the handling of cash flow (we still use cash instead of cashless payment system). So, we create group chats in WhatsApp for various devisions like the Mechanic team, the Accounting team and the Spare Parts Supply team. With WhatsApp, everybody in the group will always be updated to the situation at hand and allow faster reaction time.

Personally, I found myself using WhatsApp Web more than using WhatsApp on my phone whenever I have access to my PC or iPad + Keyboard because replying to messages are so much faster with a keyboard than my phone’s virtual keyboard.

I have also migrated our company’s Excel files to Google Sheets because of the following benefits:

• Easier files creation and data inputting through iOS without any downside to Windows users
• Faster data processing because as soon as data is inputted by my admins, I can see it
• No data loss when there is electricity blackouts (which happens a lot in my city)

Paperless Information

Most of the information that passes through my office is scanned into digital format and emailed to me every day by my office admins. This information ranges from payment slips to daily employees attendance charts.

We are also moving toward digital files for as many as we can to save storage space. By going paperless, I don’t have to lug around files or folders, but instead just access the files through the clouds.

As of my to-do list and project notes, I have been using OneNote, which is accessible through iOS as well.

iPad Mini 5 & Logitech Keyboard K380

In order for my iPad Mini to be a true laptop replacement, I needed a keyboard whether a keyboard case or a separate Bluetooth keyboard. I was on the fence between Logitech K380 and iClever BK-05, but in the end I settled on the Logitech K380 because I could get my hand on one for a cheap price.

The K380 turns out to be perfect because it has a desktop keyboard typing feels, only loses in term of portability compared to the iClever. I have thoroughly enjoyed using the K380 and haven’t had any buyer’s remorse since yet.

Future Improvements

So far, I really like bringing my iPad Mini traveling since it allows me to travel very light and stays on top of my work while I am not in the office. The Mini also double duty as entertainment during long flights or as books when there is no internet.

I know, technically I only need my phone to get my work done since most of my files are in Google Sheets and in WhatsApp, but when you have to look at 6″ all day, an iPad Mini is a welcome size (trust me, I tried). Besides, the Logitech K380 is such a joy to use that I actually look forward to when I have to use it, and it puts me in “Working Mode” whenever I have it in front of me.

Also, some countries like Japan and America has strict baggage policy regarding laptops, and having an iPad Mini allows breezy X-Ray screenings.

In the future, I am looking into changing my iPad Mini to iPad Pro with USB-C which lets me to share cables between the iPad and my phone, plus the bigger screen doesn’t hurt.

Finally I am currently looking into carrying case that I can put my iPad and keyboard for easier packing and carrying.

Logitech Keyboard K780 series is the best keyboard I have ever used in my life (up til’ September 2019) in term of productivity and joy to use. However, its higher-than-average price point and size may be a turn off for some people.

As a business owner trying to expand, I found myself having to do a lot of typing legwork myself, from typing up letters, memo to data entry. Combined with my son being 2 years old now (read: likes pulling at loose cables), I decided to invest in a good wireless keyboard with Num Pad and as full size as possible.

So for this post, I want to review the K780 from my point of view as a small business owner without going into the technical details.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at NO cost to you. It just helps me pay for my hosting fee

The Good

Here is main reasons why the K780 is the best keyboard (without going into technical details) for small business owner.

• Very satisfying to type on due to the silent tactile feels and key travels. One of the most important aspect of a keyboard when you type a lot is how it feels when you type on it. The K780 is heavy, sturdy and stays on the surface when you type. It has good key travels and the tactile feels very satisfying. I found typing to be such a joy on the K780 that I found myself looking online for carrying case just so I can bring it with me when I travel.

• Maintain your work momentum by being able to switch devices. The K780 allows you to program the keyboard to switch between 3 connected devices with the press of a button. The groove on top of the keyboard also lets you perch your mobile tablet and phones on the keyboard. I honestly haven’t used this too much but the few occasions I do use it, I found it allow me to maintain my work momentum and flow very conveniently. An example was replying to my company’s group chat in WhatsApp on my phone (my company uses WhatsApp for real time operation updates). I usually use WhatsApp Web, but on that day, I only have internet connection on my phone which made replying on WA Web impossible.
• Customizable key functions. Through Logitech Flow software, you are able to map your keys with specific functions that you use the most and you can even customize it for apps specific.

My Complaints (more like nit-pickings)

While, the K780 is close to being the perfect keyboard for me, I have a few complaints about it and what could be improved to make it a perfect keyboard for me (which may not apply to you)

• Price point is too high. The typing experience on the K780 is top notch and being able to switch devices allow you less interruptions when you are working with more than 1 device. The Flow ecosystem also allows further useful customization to help you be more productive. However, it is up to you whether you put a premium on the typing experience and the software. If you don’t, there are plenty of alternatives that give you the typing experience without the high cost.

• The size takes some getting used to. I would have prefer it if it’s a real full size keyboard since it’s not exactly portable anyway. The K780 is roughly around 75% – 80% size of a full size keyboard and you may need to get used to it.

• Some button functionalities (e.g. print screen) requires a 2 buttons process. Since the K780 is not a full size keyboard, some button functions (in my case mainly print screen because it is used a lot for confirmation) requires a 2 buttons process (fn + Del). The K780 also does not have the 6 packs button above the arrow buttons which takes some getting used to as well. 

Conclusion

All in all, I found the Logitech K780 keyboard to be the best work keyboard I have used, however the price may or may not justify it for you. Personally, I have not gotten a buyer’s remorse ever since I purchased this keyboard because I use my keyboard so much that I will gladly pay the premium to make typing, using Microsoft Excel, etc. a better experience for me. But, if you think the price point is a little high, I do agree that my compliments of the K780 could be had by cheaper keyboards.

Alternatives

1. Logitech K380

Now, if I have convince you to purchase one, I will greatly appreciate it if you purchase through Amazon using my affiliate link. What affiliate link simply means is that at NO cost to you, I get a small commission when you purchase the Logitech K780 through the following link. The commission that I receive will be cut via the seller’s profit and not your buying price.

Amazon: Logitech Keyboard K780