We devised a “Spending Diary” to help you know where your money is going.
This tool very useful for those who do not yet have a budget set up and have no clue how much money to allot to each budget category.
It can also help you spot where you’re spending too much or too little — as well as any impulse spending you’ve been doing.
For 30 days, write down
- what you bought,
- when you bought it,
- how much it cost and
- what you were feeling when you bought it.
To assist you in writing down (recording) every purchase, get receipts for every purchase.
If the item isn’t clearly labeled, write what you bought on the receipt.
Tip on Deciphering Receipts
Depending on the store, some receipts may have items labeled in strange ways, like with codes and/or abbreviations.
So, it is best to review the receipt right away to make sure it lists what you bought in plain language.
Writing down what you spent will help you form some accountability, at least to yourself.
No longer will you be able to say, “I don’t know where all of my money went!”
Indeed, you’ll know where your money is going.
To obtain a free Spending Diary, head over to our Free Downloads page.
Let us know how this goes for you this year.
Please share your comments.
Note: This article — which was originally written and published on January 2, 2014, by Vicki Simons — was updated slightly in 2018.
Return from Know Where Your Money Is Going to our Budgeting page or our Truck Drivers Money Saving Tips home page.
