track everything I spend for a week

I did this for about a week a month ago and it was totally depressing because it was so apparent I was spending way more than I was making (my hours got cut at work). But I just started another job onto of my first one so I will be able to emotionally handle this tomorrow.

Thursday 3rd January 2008 Total = £53.24
Sugar Graphic Boot = £24.00
Son of a Stitch ‘n Bitch book = £5.49
Scented Candle = £2.00
Grey Over knee Socks = £2.00
Sterling Silver Square Stone Stud Earring = £2.00
Cut Out Peep Toe Shoe = £12.00
Pyramid Stud Long Pendant Necklace = £2.00
Postage for online shopping order = £3.75

Friday 4th January 2008 Total = £0.40
Greetings card = £0.40

Saturday 5th January 2008 Total = £0.00

Sunday 6th January 2008 Total = £34.41
Bed sheet = £7.19
Lint roller = £0.64
Rabbit food = £4.99
Pet supplies = £5.98
Health & beauty products = £5.36
Groceries = £10.25

Monday 7th January 2008 Total = £121.30
Monthly train pass = £121.30

Tuesday 8th January 2008 Total = £0.00

Wednesday 9th January 2008 Total = £40.93
Watch = £12.99
Birthday card = £0.99
Glue dots advhesive = £2.00
Groceries = £3.66
Bathroom supplies = £4.11
Bike chain & lock = £13.32
Food & drink = £3.86

WEEKS TOTAL = £250.28

I’ve tried this one a few times, and I generally get through about three days before I completely forget about it!

I think the secret is just going to be hanging a pen and paper somewhere I will see it, and writing things down by hand. I’ve tried using a spreadsheet, but when I close the program I tend to just forget to go back with my next update.

I know just what I bring in, but I need to figure out where the “leaks” are in my budget. I am headed in the right direction with my financial planning, but I could move faster on some of my other financial goals by trimming the fat.

and then just start typing in the numbers of what you spend every day. The categories will form organically, and then keep it up for a full month. Also track every penny you bring in. At the end of the month, you’ll have a “budget” based in reality, showing you exactly how you spend your money and then you can try to tweak it one way or the other, but it’ll be pretty easy to work with given that it’s based on your real spending habits. I’m so happy I did this, and I’m still doing it to this day. So, I don’t like that I spend so much on gas- I want that money for other things, so I’m trading in my car for a moped; we have another car for trips and stuff, but if we had a moped then we could be getting 80mpg on all the stupid little trips we make, then I can move my gas money over to my restaurant category. It’s a fun game!

Today ends one week of doing this. I’ve been really good about keeping track and found that making myself more accountable for what I spend made me think about it more and avoid a few impulse buys of things I didn’t really need (it also helped being low on money for the beginning part of this month). I had an unexpected car repair this week, but otherwise it was probably a pretty typical week at the beginning of the month (where it seems like most things are due). I’m going to continue this for the rest of August to get a better idea of my monthly spending pattern.

Tomorrow’s August 1st so I’m going to use it as my starting point for this goal. I’ll go from tomorrow through to next Tuesday and see how I do.

today is sunday, a fresh new week
i’m going to start today and keep track. if i can remember.
this will be a good habit if i can keep it going.

I did this a while back and was astounded at the amount we spent on food (up to $40 a day just to eat in). Now we’ve moved we’re shopping differently, buying things mostly weekly instead of daily. I’ve set a budget and am curious as to how things have changed.

So far, its been good. I’ve input item & amounts on my excel sheet. Its been three days and not much spending. I’ve done this once before and it really helps me to reduce my spending. I know if I get by one month, I stretch the habit to a lot longer.

a bowel of cereal
a cup of milk

2 slices of bread
2 pieces of bolony
a cup of water

12 pieces of cookies
1 cup of milk

2 slices of pizza
4 chicken wings
water