Can some one help me with what ever program they use

**pat7124** · 01-03-2006, 04:46 PM

I want to keep track of all the money I spend and how much I save using coupons and how much I save with using the store card, My long term goal is to start saving maybe a third of what I save.

Any help would be appreciated....
pat7124@hotmail.com

**Pepper** · 01-06-2006, 02:01 AM

Pat, I'm sure there are several programs to use! I however rely upon the handy notebook and pen. I find it easier to have it set up this way as I am not really a "computer" person!

**pat7124** · 01-06-2006, 03:00 AM

thanks for the reply
I started a notebook yesterday
Pat

guest7 · 01-06-2006, 06:18 AM

Pat, what worked for me is the envelope system.

But first let me tell you.
I have Microsoft money that came with my computer. I use that for my checkbook. ($2500.00)
You can keep track of all your expenses there, print reports, view grafts and all that fancy stuff. But you have to be deligent about assigning catagories to the expenses.
That was a real eye opener for me. In December I pondered- "what happened to all my money? " Uhmmm $10,000+ in groceries, $16,000+ in misc expenses.
I got right online to learn ways to be more frugal. Found this site.

I read others experiences and one I like is the envelope system.

The envelope system:
Deposit into your checking account what will cover your fixed expenses; heat, elec, phone, mortgage, savings- etc. (notice savings is a bill)

Have 3 envelopes (free from the bank)
1 for the groceries- set your budget to cover until the next payday.
1 for car gas- again set to cover until the next payday.
The last for everything else. This is pretty much was is left over from your paycheck. It's descretionary spending. The clothes, makeup, shoes, magazine, coffee.

PUT AWAY your credit card now- you won't need it.
PUT AWAY your debit card now- you won't need it.
You have cash to pay for things.
It's much harder to part with cash than it is to swipe that debit card.

Each time you spend from an envelope- write date and amount envelope.

At the end of the pay period, what ever is left over is used to pay down debt or put into your savings. It's that simple.

A good old fashioned free notebook is the number one piece of equipment you need. Use this to keep track of prices, sales, what you used your envelope money on, I have a page that lists how much I saved in coupons and rebates. Find one cheap right now.

But look at my siggy too- that's another way to keep track of things. It's a game for all of us. A challenge to keep expenses down. Join some of our challenges here. It's very motivating.
Share some of your experiences and there could be someone who can help you.