Writing this one to you. 

I know you've heard it before,

"Tracking your expenses will change your finances."

But it truly does!

 P.S. As I typed finances I said life...so...yea...
       I know they were on to something with
       that one!

TRACKING YOUR EXPENSES WILL CHANGE YOUR FINANCES.

I use to find talking about money so intimidating. Nevertheless talking to my money to ask it questions like how, when, where and what it needs to go to. 

I started thinking...

"Where is my money going?"

There began the conversation between my Finances and I. Let's just say I was VERY curious to see how my money talked. (and in this case when, where and what it talked like too lol) 

SPENDING JOURNAL

Your pocket is suddenly empty of that cash you pulled out this morning. And No. You don't have a "hole" in your pocket.

Often a day of work, an evening out, even that "quick" grocery trip leads to dollars slipping right between the fingers or falling out the "holes" in our pocket.

Whether it's
• We didn't pack a snack.
• We didn't stick to the "dinner only" plans.
• We didn't make a grocery list.

Leaving the house usually requires spending $1 or extra. 

Focusing in on your spending habits allows you to discover exactly where your dollars are going. Things like the date, the place/store, item/s purchased and the status of your feelings for that purchase give you insight on your motivations for spending. 

Expenses Common Definition - a cause or requiring of spending money
Expenses Common Cents Definition - the required money to maintain daily life

FOCUSED FUNDS

Deciding where you want your money to go starts with narrowing in on your financial goals. Below are some goal examples. Rank them individually on a scale of 1 to 10. 

When you're investing in your future having a goal, dream or aspiration to work towards makes allocating every dollar feel less restrictive and more intentional. 

Feel free to substitute any of the above for other aspirations. 

Now your funds are focused. 

Below is a statement to help you get started...

My goal is to _________________ by ____________.
I need $________ to achieve this.
I will save/ set aside/ pay $_________ month/ week/ year.

Your goals are more than achievable! 

P.P.S. I know "Cutting Back" can feel limiting but it doesn't have to be. Here's seven small saving strategies to keep you on track between "journaling" sessions… 

TRIMMING NOT LIMITING

1. Discounts are for you and me, shop them.

Check for coupons, online codes, work perks, skill experience/ age discounts. Look at ads and store flyers. Don't forget most stores will honor a sale within 30 days of purchase (return with receipt for a refund or store credit). 

2. Sale it, trade it in, go get your money back! 

You didn't like something you bought, return it or exchange it. Take the clothes you don't wear to resale them, getting cash or store credit. Trade loved media (books, movies, games..) with a friend.

3. Amazing free media.

Get an antenna for your TV. Streaming can be so costly but for a flat fee you can get your local "cable" channels and more. Also don't forget the library. Use your library card to rent new and old media, if it's checked out reserve it! 

4. This store or That store.

Compare prices. When we get the thought to buy, we buy! Take a moment first, look at the item other places. If you can check in-store, sometimes in-store deals differ.

5. Shop your house first.

Shop your closet first. That outfit you envision yourself in, that gift you have to prepare, you probably already own it and if not refer to strategy #2 before shopping "new".

6. Pay and stay.

Debt is stressful, before you swipe ask yourself, "Do I need it?". Asking why before you buy could stop you from making an unnecessary purchase.

7. Your pocket "change" creates change!

Often when saving for our goals we limit ourselves. Saying "No!" to almost everything. Focusing your funds isn't about making yourself suffer. It's about investing in what brings you joy!