How I Track My Spending

As a requirement for my Personal and Family Finance class I had to track my spending for a month. Luckily for me, I already know this trick.  Keeping a record of where my money goes makes me more aware and helps me make goals.

To track my spending I write each purchase on the back of an envelope before putting the receipt in.  When I make a purchase I write the day, where it goes, and the amount in the proper column.  I keep three columns: one for each checking account and one for cash spending.  At the end of the month I have my receipts all in one place.

I’ve made a template for you to download if you’d like to try this method. Clicking the thumbnail will bring you to the PDF document.

I like this method best because I spend a lot of cash which is hard to keep track of.  Other people find success with computer programs like Quicken or even an Excel spreadsheet.  Do what works best for you.