Ledger-Guides
Ledger Guides
Guides for Offline Record Keepers
These reference pages supplement our consultations. They assume you hold assets in cold storage and keep written records — no wallet software required.
Core Practices
1. One Transaction, One Entry (Minimum)
Every on-chain movement gets at least one ledger line. Spending transactions that generate change need two lines. See our Journal article on change outputs.
2. Never Erase
Cross out errors with a single line, write the correction beside it, and initial the change. Erased pages undermine trust when an executor reviews your records years later.
3. Keep Explorer Printouts Aligned
If you file printed block explorer pages, write your ledger reference number on each printout the day you print it. Details in Paper vs. Printed Explorer Pages.
4. Annual Reconciliation
Once a year, compare your ledger’s UTXO inventory table to a watch-only view of your addresses. Discrepancies usually mean a forgotten change output or an unlogged consolidation.
5. Prepare for Handoff
Executors need a cover sheet, a plain-language summary, and dated pages. Our estate preparation guide walks through the steps.
Recommended Ledger Columns
| Column | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Date | Transaction confirmation date |
| Type | Payment, receive, change, consolidation, coinbase |
| Address | Full address or your shorthand label |
| Amount (sats) | Integer satoshis, not decimal BTC |
| txid | Full transaction ID |
| vout | Output index when tracking specific UTXOs |
| Notes | Purpose, counterparty, notebook page cross-ref |
When to Seek Professional Help
Consider a Cold Wallet History Review if:
- Your records span more than five years
- You are preparing documents for estate or tax professionals
- You have unexplained address balances
- You are upgrading hardware and need a clean starting ledger
Workshop Schedule
We host free quarterly workshops at our Busan office. Topics rotate between ledger setup, change-output logging, and estate handoff preparation. Existing clients receive email invitations; others may contact us to enquire about the next date.