Spending diaries.

catralense

I've noticed from previous posts that some of you keep a spending diary. I'd really be interested in getting some more information about this. At the end of each month I really couldn't tell you what we've spent our money on. My DH earns a decent wage but we always seem to be skint from the third week in the month onwards!

What information should I record i.e. each tiny purchase (newspaper .45p, etc) on just what you spend on your debit card and cash withdrawals. What formats do people use (spreadsheets, paper ledger type books, etc).

TIA!

kazmeister

Hi cat

I write down everything I spend my cash on in a little book and balance it with my purse weekly - get really annoyed even if its so much as 10p out!

We have a "Quicken" programme on our computer which OH transfers all the info onto for the bank accounts and its really good as you can ruin reports which can tell you how much you spend each month, 1/4, year etc, or you can compare this years spends to last years. OH has been using it for 10 years and we'd be in a real big pickle without it.

Its worth doing even for a couple of months as you can then identify where your money goes and try and find areas you can cut back. If you dont know where it goes you cant know where to save.

kazmeister

Just wanted to add that I've just seen your postings on the Grocery challenge thread. I've tonight posted a reply to another thread - "need all your fantastic help" which might be of help to you as well

catralense

Thank you Kazmeister! I might look into that Quicken programme that you mentioned. I think it'd be very interesting to see exactly where our money goes, although I'm sure I'll be horrified about how much is 'wasted' on unnecessary stuff. Still, knowing where we are going wrong should help to put it right. I'm determined not to spend the whole of 2008 struggling with the last two weeks before payday!

Riq

kazmeister wrote: »

Hi cat

I write down everything I spend my cash on in a little book and balance it with my purse weekly - get really annoyed even if its so much as 10p out!

We have a "Quicken" programme on our computer which OH transfers all the info onto for the bank accounts and its really good as you can ruin reports which can tell you how much you spend each month, 1/4, year etc, or you can compare this years spends to last years. OH has been using it for 10 years and we'd be in a real big pickle without it.

Its worth doing even for a couple of months as you can then identify where your money goes and try and find areas you can cut back. If you dont know where it goes you cant know where to save.

As an accountant I understand how annoying that can be!!!

I keep a spreadsheet of all my matched betting but I found it was 4p out and it took me 2hours to find the difference. But I was not stopping until i found it!!

lil_me

Small diary in my bag with my purse, any spending, even the tiny spends, I'm also a little obsessive with it see ok I've admitted it I am a money control freak!

I did have Quicken, until I moved and my PC naffed up, can't find the disc anywhere

sophiesmum_2

This one is online and is free:D

http://www.spendingdiary.com/

Just sign in and off you go.

furrypig

My New Year resolution was to be more organised generally but especially with money so I hve been writing down everything I spend to try and give me an idea where it all goes like you!!

Thanks Sophiesmum will have alook at that when I have some more time!

aimme13

I have started mine on 1/1/08.......I have it in a book and listed the dates down one side and each category along the top. Mine includes, food, takeaway, clothes, social, dd,ds, petrol, presents, other.....and sure there is a few more lol

I dont include my direct debit bills as I have them listed seperatly.

What I have done is predicted what I think I spend on each and then at the end of the month I am planning to see how accurate I am. Then hope to see where I can cut back. Going to look at the website that sophiesmum posted and see if thats better, thanks

miserly_mum

lil_me wrote: »

Small diary in my bag with my purse, any spending, even the tiny spends, I'm also a little obsessive with it see ok I've admitted it I am a money control freak! (

I'm exactly the same and use a small cash book to write everything down

However now thanks To Sophiesmum I can go a bit more high tech and use the free online spending diary.Should make it easier to refer back to stuff from weeks or months previously.

OH used to laugh at my wee spending diary when we first met. But 3 years on he loves the fact he can ask if we can afford something and immediately I can tell him yes or no almost down to the last penny.(OK OK down to the last penny )

mother_noah

I use a small note book and a small plastic wallet for recipts,only started this month so will see how it goes .