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In response to Lili Radloff’s newsletter about money woes and the fact that it’s the one thing we all have in common, our readers shared their stories.
Here’s what Shania has to say:
I know exactly what you mean, I never used to know where my money went.
My first two jobs I didn't really care either, then I started becoming more of a grown up, and with that came more expenses and responsibilities.
When I started at my current job I decided on my saving goals and then worked out exactly where my money was going (the amount of money I was wasting on social activities was ridiculous!).
So to take control I downloaded an Excel spreadsheet for household expenses, filled it in and then came the tricky part, sticking to it!
The first month was difficult, using my credit card only for emergencies, then drawing cash for my "social spending" and then allocated an amount per a week. Eventually after a few months I got the hang of being strict with myself, and updating my budget monthly to allow for changes in expenditure.
Luckily, I was starting with a clean slate where I had no huge debt except my car, but I think everyone is scared of their finances, I get anxiety just thinking about this past December and January. But taking control eases it, and knowing your limits allows you to have peace of mind as well.
I hope you manage to be successful , it's a long process to learn to control your spending, probably as difficult as getting into the routine of any resolution!
Good luck, and may the balances be ever in your favour!
Follow Women24 on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Here’s what Shania has to say:
I know exactly what you mean, I never used to know where my money went.
My first two jobs I didn't really care either, then I started becoming more of a grown up, and with that came more expenses and responsibilities.
When I started at my current job I decided on my saving goals and then worked out exactly where my money was going (the amount of money I was wasting on social activities was ridiculous!).
So to take control I downloaded an Excel spreadsheet for household expenses, filled it in and then came the tricky part, sticking to it!
The first month was difficult, using my credit card only for emergencies, then drawing cash for my "social spending" and then allocated an amount per a week. Eventually after a few months I got the hang of being strict with myself, and updating my budget monthly to allow for changes in expenditure.
Luckily, I was starting with a clean slate where I had no huge debt except my car, but I think everyone is scared of their finances, I get anxiety just thinking about this past December and January. But taking control eases it, and knowing your limits allows you to have peace of mind as well.
I hope you manage to be successful , it's a long process to learn to control your spending, probably as difficult as getting into the routine of any resolution!
Good luck, and may the balances be ever in your favour!
Follow Women24 on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
