Spend Like a Duck
Spending Log
The spending log is a very simplistic but powerful tool. Keeping track of your money will give you the leg up on controlling your money and how can you control it if you don’t know where it’s going? Many people track their money online and that’s good, but the power of writing down each purchase may make you think twice of where your money is really going.
We’ve created two types of spending logs. One you can cut out and attach to a card you have in your wallet or purse (old library card, a store club card).
We’ve also created a simple spread sheet, you can print it out or you can create one in excel.
• Wallet
If you forget to write a couple of purchases down, don’t get discouraged! It’ll happen and that’s ok, the most important thing to do will be to get back and start jotting down your purchases again. Once you get into the swing of tracking your spending after two weeks go back and see where it all went. You can then project what your spending for the month will be. If you are feeling like you want to continue and we suggest it, and then track for a full month. Once you create a budget it’s good to continue to track your spending and compare at the end of the month.
This isn’t glamorous stuff we’re talking about here, being in control of your money takes dedication. Want to go on that Spring Break vacation? These are things you’ll need to know.
