How I did it: Well, I did great with this for the month of July, which was very helpful in understanding how I feel about the salary of my new job.  Seems that funds will be tight but life will be possible with this income.

When I went traveling with V in August I got behind in keeping track of my spending, and at this point I've given up for August.  It's been an odd month anyway.  I'll start again in September.

The key was to pay close attention to whenever spending took place, keep all receipts until the details were recorded, and record on a daily basis.  That kept the task manageable, and made it more meaningful as well.  It was meant to be a reflection of how I'm living on a daily basis - not an accounting job at the end of the month.

Lessons & tips: keep receipts,
be aware of all spending, even small stuff - the coins add up!
ask your partner to cooperate by saving receipts.

Resources: pencil, paper, receipts, google translate (for when something like kronärtskocka showed up on my grocery store receipt), memory, cooperative spouse.

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Aug 22, 2012, 02:11PM PDT | 4 comments | 7 cheers