Where Did My Money Go?

💸 Where Did My Money Go? – The Beginner’s Guide to Tracking Spending

by Claudia | Goals with Claudia

Have you ever reached the end of the month and thought, “Where did all my money go?” You’re not alone. Most of us think we know where our money is going—until we actually track it.

Tracking your spending is one of the most powerful habits you can build on your financial journey. It’s like turning on the lights in a dark room. Suddenly, you can see everything clearly—and that clarity can change your money life.

🧭 Why Tracking Spending Matters

If you’re working on budgeting, saving, or paying down debt, tracking your spending is your first step. Here’s why:

Awareness leads to control. You can’t manage what you don’t measure.
You’ll uncover habits. Maybe you’re spending $200 a month on takeout without realizing it.
It builds intentionality. When you see the numbers, you spend more mindfully.

🛠️ Step-by-Step: How to Start Tracking Your Spending

Step 1: Pick a Tracking Method

Choose the one that works for YOU. There’s no one “right” way.

📓 Notebook or paper tracker: Great if you like writing things down.
📱 App-based tracking: Try tools like Mint, YNAB, or EveryDollar.
📊 Spreadsheet: Google Sheets or Excel offer flexibility and formulas.

Step 2: Start Today – Not Monday

Don’t wait for the start of a new week or month. Just start. Jot down:

What you spent today (or yesterday)
How much and where
What category it fits into (groceries, dining, gas, etc.)

Step 3: Track Every Day for One Week

Treat it like brushing your teeth—just 2–3 minutes a day. At the end of the week, add it all up.

Ask yourself:

Did anything surprise me?
Which categories are higher than I expected?
Are there any “leaks” I didn’t notice before?

🔁 Keep It Going: Building the Habit

Set a reminder on your phone each evening to track that day’s spending.
Review weekly. This helps you catch trends early.
Give yourself grace. It won’t be perfect. The goal is progress, not perfection.

💬 Final Thoughts

You don’t need a fancy system or financial degree to take control of your money. All it takes is one small step—start tracking. You’ll be amazed at what you discover in just one week.

Let’s do this together. 💪
—Claudia