Old fashioned

levens

In ancient history my Nan offered to show me how to keep 'my accounts' as she called it, she turns out to have been savy with money, only wish I had that gene!, so I have gone out and got myself a cash book so that I can finally take her advice and get my money in order.
The reason I have gone with the 'manual' option is that while spreadsheets etc are great I am not carrying an expensive smart phone, laptop or tablet around with me and there is something about writing it down and tallying it up that makes me think my money saving mantra of 'do I need it or just want it?'. Does anyone else find writing it out helps?.
I think I will also put my card in a separate wallet and take only the cash I need for the day in my usual purse, it is just so easy with the contact-less payment and it doesn't seem like money going out, seeing the actual physical money always makes me think twice.

dr_adidas01

I used to do this as there was no such thing as internet banking when I opened my first bank account many many years ago.

I don't use it as much these days as I tend to keep the receipts for items I've purchased and also keep a mental note too.

Sadly this is now a lost art and many people these days don't keep track of what they spend and then end up in an overdraft, or end up paying a fee because of something they forgot they had spend their money on.

levens

Yes I kept my receipts for a month to give myself a shock, I think it is down to self control...something I don't have a lot of! but I was once told if you need to hold back on one thing a day make it count because the next thing you are twice as likely to cave into! (currently eating jelly beans:eek:)

Mrs_Boo_Boo

Yes you need to do what's best for you.
Back in the 80's I used my usual diary to write things down when I spent it plus a running total of current account and credit card. Once you get into the habit it won't be so hard to do and the process of writing it down will focus your mind on what you are spending. Yes before internet banking the best was a mini statement from the cash point!!! Now it's so much easier to keep on top of things.
I now use YNAB too which is a handy tool.
Good Luck.