Start simple: look back once, then look forward for 10 days

Grab a notes app, a piece of paper, or a bare-bones spreadsheet to get a simple start.

Step 1 (10–15 minutes): Open last month’s bank and credit card statements.
Skim and jot down rough totals for 5–7 buckets that make sense for you:

• Groceries
• Eating out/coffee
• Gas/transportation
• Shopping/household
• Fun/entertainment
• Subscriptions
• Other

Don’t overthink it. You’re not doing taxes—you’re getting a feel.

Step 2 (the real unlock): Track everything for the next 10 days.
This is just like logging food to spot habits—you’ll see patterns you couldn’t see before.

How to track (pick one—keep it frictionless):

• Notes app on your phone: “10-Day Spend Log”
• A sticky note in your wallet
• A simple sheet of paper on the fridge

Each time you buy something, write:

• Date
• What it was (“latte,” “gas,” “Amazon—storage bins”)
• Amount
• Bucket (one of your 5–7)

Pro tip: If you forget something, scroll your bank app that night and fill it in. Done is better than perfect.

What to look for (you’ll spot this fast)

• “Leak” categories: One or two buckets quietly eating more than you thought (often eating out, Amazon, or convenience buys).
• Frequency vs. size: It’s rarely a single big purchase—it’s repetition that stings.
• Auto-pays you’ve stopped using: Sneaky subscriptions.
• Emotional triggers: Tired, rushed, bored, “I earned it,” “the kids asked.” These are gold—no judgment, just awareness.

If you share money with someone

Keep the 10-day log together in one place (shared note works great). No lectures—just compare patterns and pick one small change each.

Why this matters (and what’s next)

This 10-day snapshot is the first step toward purposeful, intentional spending that aligns with what you want beyond today. Once you see where money is going, you can begin evaluating what adjustments help you achieve your important goals.

If you want a super-simple tracker you can print or copy to your phone, tell me and I’ll share one you can start using in under a minute.

You don’t need the perfect system. You just need a few honest days. You’ve got this!