So, you're curious about how much you've spent on Amazon this year? It's a common question, and thankfully, there are several ways to find out. Whether you're budgeting for the holidays, tracking your spending habits, or simply satisfying your curiosity, this guide will walk you through the process.
Accessing Your Amazon Spending History
Amazon makes it relatively easy to see your spending history, although the exact steps might vary slightly depending on whether you're using the website or the app. Here's a breakdown:
Method 1: Through the Amazon Website
- Log in: First, log into your Amazon account on your computer.
- Orders: Navigate to "Your Orders." You should find this link easily accessible in the top right corner of most Amazon pages, usually under your account name or profile icon.
- Filter and Sort: Once you're in "Your Orders," you'll see a list of all your recent purchases. Utilize the filtering and sorting options to refine your search. Look for options to filter by date range – this is key to seeing your spending for the current year. Select "This year" or specify the date range from January 1st to December 31st of the current year.
- Review and Calculate: Carefully review your order history. Each order will show the total cost. You can manually add up the totals to determine your overall spending for the year. For a quicker way to see the total, you can use a spreadsheet program or a simple calculator.
Method 2: Using the Amazon App
The process is similar on the Amazon mobile app:
- Open the App and Log In: Launch the Amazon app and ensure you're logged in to your account.
- Access Your Orders: The location of "Your Orders" might vary slightly depending on your app version, but look for a section related to your account, profile, or order history.
- Filter and Sort (App Specific): Just like on the website, use the filtering and sorting tools to select the current year (or specify the date range).
- Check Your Purchases: Review your order history and calculate your total spending.
Pro Tip: If you're using the app, consider using the "split view" or "multitasking" features on your device to open a calculator alongside your Amazon order history for easier calculation.
Beyond the Basics: Tracking Your Amazon Spending Effectively
Manually calculating your Amazon spending can be time-consuming. Consider these additional strategies for better tracking:
- Third-Party Apps: Several apps connect to your bank accounts and credit cards and automatically categorize your spending, providing a clear overview of your Amazon expenditures.
- Spreadsheets: Creating a simple spreadsheet to track your spending can help you monitor your expenses throughout the year. This is particularly useful if you want to compare spending across different months or categories.
- Budgeting Apps: Many budgeting apps allow you to connect your Amazon account (or payment methods) for automatic tracking and budgeting.
Analyzing Your Spending Habits
Once you know your total Amazon spending, take some time to reflect on your spending habits. Ask yourself:
- Was this amount within your budget?
- Are there any areas where you could reduce spending?
- Could subscription services be consolidated or canceled?
- Did impulse buys contribute significantly to your total?
Understanding your spending habits is crucial for effective financial planning.
By using these methods, you'll gain a clear picture of your Amazon spending for the year. Remember, responsible spending and budgeting are key to maintaining healthy finances.
