Before I knew what an expense report was, I knew it was bad. Every few months my Dad, a salesman, would disappear into his office in the basement, grumbling about an expense report as he walked down the steps. Hours and hours later he would emerge from the depths of the basement, expense report done but even more grumbley.
Sound familiar? If you travel for business and have to do expense reports, make it simpler to get them done by implementing a few organizing strategies. Designate one spot for collecting your receipts when you travel. This might be in your wallet, in the zipper pocket of your purse, in a plastic envelope, or in the front pocket of your briefcase. Choose a place that makes sense to you and works well with what you carry with you when you travel.
If you are reimbursed for mileage on your personal vehicle, then I suggest that you keep a clipboard, pen and mileage log in your car. You’re welcome to download a copy of the mileage log that we use at simplify 101. Print multiple copies of the form and put them all on your clipboard. When you’ve filled-up one sheet, you’ll have a replacement right behind it!
When you get home from a business trip, fill out your expense report right away — while the details of the trip are still fresh in your mind. If it’s something you truly dread, getting it out of the way quickly will make it easier (plus you won’t waste the energy anticipating the ugly task ahead.)
