I refer to this common financial problem as the empty hole called "I don't know where my money went!"  And trust me, it is very common because most people don't like to budget!  And I'm here to change that!!

Though most of us know where our money goes in general (because we have a stack of bills that are due each month), there are still some spending areas we may not be sure about. Now this doesn't necessarily mean you're spending money frivolously, but maybe you're just not keeping track of the extra things like eating out, entertainment, cards and gifts, medical and dental expenses, car maintenance and repairs, household expenses and so on.

A few years ago my husband and I tried an experiment and it was quite eye opening. For a period of one entire year we used our Discover credit card for everything, even groceries and gasoline. Each month when the statement came, I was able to see exactly how much money we had spent and where it went. 

We liked using the Discover card because they listed our expenditures separately by categories, and with just a quick glance I could see how much money went to each one. (Not to mention the cash back bonus feature!)  Now not all creditors offer this separated category feature, but it is very helpful and I recommend using one that has it (and ONLY ONE!)

Though unfortunately, during our experiment we also 'discovered' that we were spending money in areas that were not budgeted - and that was not very pleasant. If we had used cash or made no effort to keep track of our spending during the year, you can bet many of those purchases would have been lost in the "where did my money go" category. 

(Now remember if you choose to keep track of your spending in a similar way, just be sure to pay the bill off each month when it comes!  And if something happens that causes you to not be able to pay the balance in full each month, then put the credit card away and use 'cash only' until it is paid off.)

As I've mentioned a few times before, you must know where your money is going to get a handle on it. Keeping track of every dime you spend for thirty days is a great start, but you might want to keep track of it for an entire year. In fact, keeping track of it from now on is an even better idea! And then if you are overspending you'll be able to get back on track and regain control.

If you're at all familiar with trying to lose weight, it sounds like I've just described a diet doesn't it? But keeping your money in good order does require discipline, goal setting, and sticking to some kind of plan, just like dieting. If you don't have goals and a plan for your money you should make them soon, or you may never know for sure where your money is going each year. 

We've been keeping track of our money and adjusting our lifestyle as needed for many years, in order to create a regular surplus for the 'unexpected' expenses that tend to come our way. This does take some effort and planning, but by keeping track of your money month after month, year after year, you will know what these 'unexpected' expenses are and you will be much better prepared for them. 

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Are You a Rich or Poor Person?

1:Rich people believe"I create my life"
   Poor people believe"Life happens to me"

2:Rich people play the money game to win.

   Poor people play the money game to not lose.

3:Rich people are committed to being rich.
   Poor people want to be rich.

4:Rich people think big.
   Poor people think small.

5:Rich people focus on opportunities.
   Poor people focus on obstacles.

6:Rich people admire other rich and successful
people.
    Poor people resent rich and successful people.

7:Rich people associate with positive,successful people.
   Poor people associate with negative or unsuccessful people.

8:Rich people are willing to promote themselves and their value.
   Poor people think negatively about  selling and promotion.

9:Rich people are bigger than their problems.
    Poor people are smaller than their problems.

10:Rich people are excellent receivers.
      Poor people are poor receivers.

11:Rich people choose to get paid based on results.
      Poor people choose to get paid based on time.

12:Rich people think"both"
      Poor people thinke "either/or"

13: Rich people focus on their net worth.
       poor people focus on their working income.

14:Rich people manage their money well.
     Poor people mismanage their money well.

15:Rich people have their money work hard for them.
      Poor people work hard for their money.


Hmmm which one are you? .....

There comes a time when you must stand alone.  You must feel confident enough within yourself to follow your own dreams.  You must be willing to make sacrifices.   

You must be capable of changing and rearranging your priorities so that your final goal can be achieved. 

Sometimes, familiarity and comfort need to be challenged.  There are times when you must take a few extra chances and create your own realities.  Be strong enough to at least try to make your life better.  Be confident enough that you won't settle for a compromise just to get by. 

Appreciate yourself by allowing yourself the opportunities to grow, develop, and find your true sense of purpose in this life.

Don't stand in someone else's shadow when it's your sunlight that should lead the way. ~Anonymous