Want to get real with your finances?

Want to get real with your finances in 30 days? Here’s how I did it.

I knew something had to change if I was going to pay off my mortgage so we could have the freedom of being debt free. That change needed to start with me.
So here’s what I did!

For 30 days straight I wrote down every single dollar I spent. Yes, every cent, every single cent. Nearly drove me crazy, but that’s what I did. I didn’t want estimates, I wanted the real deal.

I took photos of receipts, used Notes on my phone and my banking app and then entered it all onto a spreadsheet.

I recorded every overpriced coffee, every indulgent piece of makeup, every last piece of clothing. I didn’t hold back. I spent as was my normal pattern because I wanted to know what I was working with.

It was pretty shocking, very enlightening. It was confronting to see the sheer amount I was frittering away… but it also gave me a lot to work with.

Tracking your spending is like tracking calories. They both make you question your decisions and have the ability to transform your life if you decide to take control.

The best thing about tracking your spending is that it can set you up for financial success.

Here are my lessons over the past month.

1. Writing it down makes it real
2. The guilt was real
3. One month isn’t real – try doing three – or six if you’re brave!
4. My savings were far from unreal
5. It’s really worth it if you really want to make a change

So dig out a note pad and your favourite pen and start tracking your spending.

You’re welcome!