Determine and Understand Your ACTUAL Spending with Worksheet

No matter how much money people have, most people spend needlessly or without thought.

Most people have gone to the store and bought things they didn’t plan to purchase — or even need — simply because they were on sale. Maybe you bought another package of toothpaste when you already have six or eight hiding in various bathroom closets and cabinets. Or maybe, on the other end of the spending spectrum, you bought a new car when your “old” car was just fine… and maybe even already paid off.

To get control of your finances and to get out of debt, you have to figure out what you spend.

A quick disclaimer: This is most people’s least favorite thing to do… which is why most people live beyond their means and make poor financial decisions. “No pain, no gain” definitely applies here.

Think about it this way: If at the end of the month you’ve often wondered, “Wait a minute — where did all my money go?”… Well, now you’ll know.

How do you get started? First, gather up all your bills. Your bills will show your actual expenses for loans, utility payments, etc. (Your credit card statements will also show you how much you spend on certain items.) Pull out as many old credit card statements as you can — they’ll help you identify spending you may not…