What are the characteristics of a journal entry?

Answer 1

Usually expression in the first person (using I) and generally deeply personal and honest reflection in addition to more trivial details from the writer's life. A journal entry often serves as an emotional release for the writer, and so would usually include thoughts that the writer needs to express but could not do so otherwise to other people (for example, out of embarrassment or guilt).

Answer 2

A journal entry includes the date of the transaction, a description of the transaction, the accounts affected, the amount debited and credited for each account, and a brief explanation. It serves as the initial record of financial transactions before they are transferred to the general ledger.