Looking at my spending

**mmy2grls** · 03-21-2008, 12:53 PM

I was looking at my statements to see where money was spent the last month and a half and I found almost $200 spent on unnecessary items. I wonder why I suffer sometimes and looking back little purchases add up quick.

That $200 that spent could have been used for gas or bills. I'm going to write down exactly everything I purchase now on.

My money problems are brought on by myself

**yankeegal** · 03-21-2008, 01:10 PM

I am the same...What has helped me is only shopping with a list and cash. I leave my debit card at home now and have seen my impulse shopping go way down.
You have identified your problem and now you will take steps to correct it. Good for you!

**lilk** · 03-21-2008, 01:20 PM

I know I let money slip through my hands if I don't tell it where to go. I've been really bad about that this year, and am planning to get back on track.
I am planning to allow myself some fun money and when its gone, its gone.
Writing things is a good ideal. Good luck and I hope you do better in April.

**M55FF** · 03-21-2008, 01:34 PM

I use a spiral notebook...

**Marie78** · 03-21-2008, 01:45 PM

I have been much better lately. I write down where the money goes and where I want it to go. I also keep a "wish list" of things I want. Sometimes we see something and we think "I have got to have that for me or for a family member." Now I write down what it is and where I saw it and what the price is for it. If I still want it for myself or a loved one after thinking on it for a week or so and researching the price on line (a day or so if it's a sale item). Many times I decide I don't want it. If it's not worth the drive for me to go back and purchase it, then I can live without it. If it's something I want I will wait and ask for it for my birthday or a holiday if I still want it. This way I am not depriving myself of never having what I want, I am just allowing myself to think about it and consider the purchase.

**JanieD** · 03-21-2008, 02:50 PM

Just don't be too hard on yourself. Allow some fun money each week/month for little purchases using cash. This helps to avoid a major shopping spree from feeling deprived. Once my cash is gone, I'll wait until the next payday for whatever it is. Many times I don't remember what it was or why I thought I needed it anyway. I'm trying the "wish list" Maria mentioned too since I'm trying to watch my spending more closely.

**mmy2grls** · 03-21-2008, 03:47 PM

i'm writing and list and sticking to it for now on.

$80 was on carry out or fast food. That is rediculous.

**ravenmaniac** · 03-21-2008, 05:22 PM

Little purchases add up quickly. You can also debit your account to death, $20.00 here and there. It is a good idea write everthing down. Also be conscious when you are making those little purchases. You really need to ask yourself if it's worth it. Planning ahead keeps you from having to make fast food purchases. JMO

**mombottoo** · 03-21-2008, 06:36 PM

Don't beat yourself up too bad, I have the same problem. I keep trying to write down what I spend and I lose the paper I write it on...go figure. I'm going to resort to putting the paper in my purse, nothing ever gets lost in there.

**sumdumsurfer** · 03-21-2008, 10:05 PM

I would have to agree with everyone's advice!

Just the act of writing down my expenses led to me spending less.

I have become more aware of how much I am spending week-to-week - and that itself has cut down the amount of "impulse" purchases.

Good luck!

**Megareader** · 03-21-2008, 11:25 PM

My big downfall is books...but then, with my username I doubt that surprises anyone!

**Cricketlegs** · 03-22-2008, 01:52 PM

This is why dh and I have allowances we get every payday. Dh gets $200 a month and I get $100.

If I want to go to walmart and buy a movie for me and the girls I can because it is in the budget through my CASH ALLOWANCE.

I usually don't even spend it and at the end of each week I put the excess in a drawer for "whatever" I want later that is an expensive thing such as a family trip to the waterpark etc.

Try cashing out your blow money then you get no unplesant surprises at the end of the month.

**themartins903** · 03-27-2008, 11:11 AM

Jumping up and down, banging head to wall.... this problem is "MY" main problem. The here and there 20.00 debit card pulls from the ATM so that I'll have pocket cash for emergencies. My emergencies (WERE) notice the past tense (WERE) the following: Fountain drinks from convenience store, beauty magazines, lunch with friends (NUMEROUS TIMES).

So, I've opted to have ONLY 20.00 per week (hubby and I each) for whatever we wanted to spend it on. Soft drinks are now only bought if on sale and I bring 2 to work daily. It DOES help to budget that ridiculous out of control petty spending.... and writing it down does help. It's hard at first to get used to it; but worth it.

**Libby** · 03-27-2008, 07:24 PM

Its ok to muck up once in a while. You ARE human. You've acknoweldged that there is a problem and you're working on a plan of attack to correct it. Don't be so hard on yourself. Live a little! (note I said "a little" LOL)

What I used to do was carry a tiny spriral notebook in my purse and track every penny spent. Once I saw the pattern, I limited myself to a small allowance for the week or per paycheque (2 wk period). Once I had the allowance ready - cash only - I still tracked everything I spent on.

I got tired quickly of tracking and really studied what I was spending on and figured out ways to help curb spending. Bring your junk food and treats from home to work - you dont always have to eat them the same day you bring them. This cut back on a lot of my last minute snack attacks while at work.

Its all about the little changes you make...they will add up. You can gain control again...just believe in yourself