I was doing really well at tracking for over two years. I had my system set up in Moneydance, a shareware program, and had lots of data to make graphs, etc. Well, my computer died, and since I’m focusing on my snowball, I don’t want to buy a new one. And I can’t install Moneydance on my work computer, or at least I don’t want to. Not sure which (that makes no sense except I know what I mean ;) ). So, at least I set up my checking account in an Excel spreadsheet on a flash drive that I can carry in my purse and update at work or at home on the checked-out laptop (as long as we can keep it).

I haven’t been doing the questions for a long time, though the lens is still in place, the lens the questions provide for examining all my purchases. To me, that’s the essence of doing the monthly questions, so I’m not too sad that I haven’t actually sat with my numbers and done them.

Need to figure out a cash tracking system, which has always been my downfall, anyway. At least with tracking everything I can still do my Wall Chart.

Dave Ramsey’s approach has captivated my interest more as of late . . . not that I think less of YMOYL . . . but I think YMOYL is a deeper transformation. I think in my case I needed that before I could be ready to try Dave Ramsey’s baby steps. I needed to have a mental framework for approaching spending, one that made me feel like it wasn’t deprivation to be frugal but rather me being in charge of my money and my life. So I am grateful to YMOYL for that. Plus, think of how much my expenses line will drop on my Wall Chart once I’m not shelling out hundreds in debt payments!! That’ll be a great day!