It is critical that you track your spending so you know where your money is going, where you can tighten up, and if you’re spending more than you’re making. Some techniques for tracking your spending are to use one method to purchase your “stuff”, print your statement off every month and break your spending into categories (bills, groceries, etc.), transcribe your numbers onto the spreadsheet Finley has on this website, review your spending carefully, become more aware of your spending based on your previous month’s accounting, design a plan that fits you, and stay with it!
You stated the point beautifully, Katherine. Let me just add a bit more. When Katherine discusses using one method, she is referring to using one credit card (pay it off each and every month), or one debit card, or cash. The key is to use one item to do all of your spending. This will make it simple and sustainable as time goes on. If you are not tracking your spending, START!
It is critical that you track your spending so you know where your money is going, where you can tighten up, and if you’re spending more than you’re making. Some techniques for tracking your spending are to use one method to purchase your “stuff”, print your statement off every month and break your spending into categories (bills, groceries, etc.), transcribe your numbers onto the spreadsheet Finley has on this website, review your spending carefully, become more aware of your spending based on your previous month’s accounting, design a plan that fits you, and stay with it!
You stated the point beautifully, Katherine. Let me just add a bit more. When Katherine discusses using one method, she is referring to using one credit card (pay it off each and every month), or one debit card, or cash. The key is to use one item to do all of your spending. This will make it simple and sustainable as time goes on. If you are not tracking your spending, START!