Real Agent Cases

Categorize 419 ledger transactions into an Excel template with ChatGPT agent

Source date:
Last verified:
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How we verify

Evidence: Screenshots or logsThe source shows screenshots, a transcript or the agent's output.

Outcome

Given an Excel ledger template and 419 transactions, ChatGPT agent asked for help on ambiguous merchants, then keyed in all ~400 rows and took 4 minutes.

Poster says:Done in 4 minutes

This is the source's own number. We haven't measured it.

Agent

ChatGPT agent

Prompt Recreated prompt

The source did not publish its exact prompt. This one is our reconstruction from what the source describes.

Not sure how to start? Tell me what you're trying to get done and I'll help you turn it into a clear request.

Goal: Fill in my Excel ledger template by putting each transaction under the right expense category.

Quick check first: Do you have rules for how certain merchants should be categorized?

What I need from you:
- Your Excel ledger template
- Your transactions (for example a CSV)

Rules:
- Categorize the transactions the way a person would, and do the obvious ones (like Uber as Travel) yourself.
- Give me a short list of only the merchants you truly can't place, and wait for my answer.
- Work in my template. Don't change its structure.
- If something is missing or unclear, ask me instead of guessing.

Output: The completed spreadsheet with every transaction filled in, plus a note of any you weren't sure about.

If any of this is unclear, tell me what you have and I'll help fill the gaps.

You'll know it worked when: every transaction sits in a category you'd agree with.

Works best when: you use a business account that keeps your data private.

Source

https://x.com/jasononfirms/status/1963993526515192040

By Jason Staats (@jasononfirms) · Published Sep 5, 2025 · Added Oct 15, 2026 · Last verified Oct 15, 2026

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