# Tracking Loans to Family and Friends

> Learn how to easily track personal loans you’ve made to friends or family within YNAB using scheduled transactions or a tracking (asset) account step‑by‑step.

Source: https://support.ynab.com/en_us/tracking-loans-to-family-and-friends-rkOkPvYPgx

Last updated: 2026-07-02T17:55:18.474Z

Here’s how to keep track of things being paid back in installments—like loans to family and friends—in YNAB using scheduled transactions or a tracking (asset) account. This way you'll always know what’s still owed! 

*   **If you receive payments regularly, use a** [**Scheduled Transaction**](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/scheduled-transactions-a-guide-BygrAIFA9)**.** Create an inflow for the amount you expect to be paid on each specific date. When the transaction comes up in your register, you can either approve it or use it as a reminder to reach out to your friend or family member.
    
*   **The memo field is great for keeping track of the total of the loan and how much is still owed.** For example: “$1,000 Loan to Mike—Paid: $100  Owes: $900). As each payment is received, edit the memo to reflect how much is still owed.
    
*   **You could also set up a** [**Tracking Account (Asset)**](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/account-types-an-overview-BkmGM0qCq) **if the loan is long-term.** Use the total loan amount as the starting balance, and make a transfer from the loan Tracking Account to your Cash account when you receive payment. Once the balance of that tracking account is zero, the loan is paid in full!
    

#### Pro-Tip

As nifty as our [Loan Planner](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/loan-accounts-a-guide-HkNSkPHJi) is, you don't want to use a loan account for loans that are **owed to you**. The Loan Planner is only for debt that **you owe** to a lender.

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⤴️ Back to main article: [Reimbursements in YNAB](https://support.ynab.com/en_us/reimbursements-in-ynab-H1W7ilhC5)