Investors often begin tracking their investments using spreadsheets like Excel due to their flexibility and familiarity. In fact, that’s how we, the minds behind Portfellow started our investing journey as well.
Most people don’t get excited about portfolio tracking software. For some, it’s a chore; for others, something to avoid altogether.
I’ve heard the arguments:
“Isn’t my time better spent increasing my income?”
“Wouldn’t I rather be enjoying life than fiddling with numbers?”
And honestly? I get it. Your approach depends on your goals.
But here’s my take — for me, portfolio management is more than necessary. It’s something I enjoy. You could even call it my intellectual hobby. Unlike most hobbies that drain your wallet, this one helps grow mine.
The Real Value of Active Portfolio Tracking
When your portfolio is small, it may feel like performance tracking is overkill. But once it grows, it becomes critical. In my experience, once your portfolio crosses the €250,000 mark, even a small improvement in performance can bring in real, measurable returns.
Let’s say better management boosts your annual return by just 1%. That’s €2,500 more per year. Scale that up to a seven-figure portfolio and the impact becomes even more obvious — we’re talking about a level of return that can easily beat your hourly salary at a full-time job.
Start Before You “Need” To
My philosophy? Start early. I began tracking my portfolio with intention right from my first investments. That was back in 2014. Since then, I’ve been refining my approach, learning through experience, and adapting my strategy over time. That steady growth in understanding has been key.
Over the past decade, I’ve consistently outperformed the index by more than 7% annually. Sure, I’ve taken on risk. But it’s been calculated, managed — and that’s made all the difference.
If You’re Going to Do It, Do It Well
Portfolio management is one of the best tools available to serious investors. It brings structure, clarity, and data-driven insight. And now, it’s easier than ever with tools like Portfellow — built to give you a real-time overview of your investments across all asset classes.
With Portfellow, you can see:
- Your portfolio’s net and gross value
- Capital growth over time
- Cash flow, including dividends and interest
- The effect of currency fluctuations
- Cost analysis
- Time-weighted return (CAGR)
- Asset allocation breakdowns
- Performance by individual investment
In short: everything you need to make smarter, more confident decisions — all in one place.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to be a financial analyst to track your investments well. But you do need the right mindset and the right tools.
If you believe investing deserves your attention, then portfolio management is not just helpful — it’s essential.
