Anyone actually keep track of their monthly spending?

[Andy C]

Following from the Cost of Living thread I was wondering if anyone here actually fully keeps track of their money and where it goes (i.e. with software).

Now I have a job and no motorbike I finally have money left over in a month without staying in all the time but might try and monitor where my money goes a little as trying to save for travelling asia with the GF next summer.

Someone gave me a program a year or 2 ago (quicken) but was well dull trying to keep track of everything.

So does anyone here keep a close eye on where you money goes?
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99 RS125 --> 02 SV650s --> 03 Speed Four --> 92 RXS100 --> 93 CB400sf --> 01 CB600f Hornet

[colin1]

I dont, but if I did, I'd use google docs online spreadsheet.

I once had something called Microsoft Money, but it was designed for people who were incapable of operating a spreadsheet.

Not as flexible as doing something yourself that suits your needs.

I think you are perfectly capable of operating a spreadsheet, so use one rather than daft money management software, that is too rigid, with prescribed ways of recording things.
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[silky666]

[Ariel Badger]

Nope, I do not have a clue with money. Provided my bank balance keeps on going up I do not worry. saying that though I am a tight sod.
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[WildGoose]

Yes, I am very sad, and keep a spreadsheet of pretty much everything, not including food. I just use open office calc (excel basically) can't be doing with a special program, it's not like spreadsheets are hard to use effectively.

It only really has a use when I get to the end of the month and go "where the fuck has all my money gone" I can look back and see, and bizarrely it makes me feel a bit better. It's also good for keeping track of how prices are rising, and is a quick reference for repeated things and how badly you are getting shafted.. vehicle insurance for example.

Currently food is what is killing my money each month so I plan to have a crack down on that from next month.

Living across the road from the village shop, while convenient, can be evil for emptying your bank balance. As when you are hungry, you fail to see the bigger picture of the rest of the month.
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So in other words, he stopped you for being flagrantly in posession of a motorcycle in direct contravention of the Hippies, Darkies and People Whose Face I Don't Like The Look of (Police Powers) Act. 1976

[cagiva gezzer]

I used to. Then i realised i was spending more money on fish (aquarium sort) than my GF and she went a bit mental.

As above, useful to seeing where it all goes.
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"because one stroke isnt enough and four strokes waste two"

[Andy C]

Yea I might give it a go for a month just so I can see in a typical month where all my money goes (just be vague about it, not writing down everything).
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99 RS125 --> 02 SV650s --> 03 Speed Four --> 92 RXS100 --> 93 CB400sf --> 01 CB600f Hornet

[Pete.]

My wife keeps track of mine - fastidiously
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a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[oldpink]

I spend my wages and I'm skint no need to track
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Theory & hazard 24-may 2016, CBT 8th June 2016, MOD 1 2nd Aug 2016 Mod 2 2nd-Nov 2016 - Current bike CBR 600 RR

[Clanger]

Nope. But then I rarely spend money. Apart from on food and petrol and trips abroad.
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Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter won't mind - Dr. Seuss

[panrider_uk]

[GhostRider]

I use one of these new fangled gizmos called
a pen and paper, note down direct debits and essential outgoings, then anything else will be flagged up on my online bank statement.

It is rather shocking to realise how the little £10 and £20 withdrawals here and there add up. I have an attitude of 'if I want it I'm having it' provided it's a reasonable purchase, but does extend to never turning down an invitation to the pub (even so that averages once a week and £20 max in a night) but I guess in top of everything else it hikes the price up over a month.

I'm looking to be moved in tommy own place with the missus come January and so hoping that will help sort my finances out as I will be watching every pound and prob not going out as much for a while. I've had a lot of people tell me that their money situation was better than ever once they moved into their own place.

GhostRider
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[ClaireBear]

I have no idea where the money goes! I think its mainly a lot of little bits that add up over time...taking a few cash withdrawals out etc

I get paid £170 a month- fuel to uni costs me between £60-£80 a week...

[s44678]

No need to track everything, that's just anal.

Do a budget, work out your essential outgoings and also a reasonable amount for 'leisure'. Any surplus left over in the month (from less than anticipated food or leisure spend for example) stick it in a separate savings account so you start each month from the same balance.

Before you know it you'll have saved a nice wedge of cash.

(Unless of course your outgoings outstrip your incomings and you never have a surplus, then you have a problem)

[Alexio]

I am as of this week, but only because I've started saving again with a specific goal in mind.
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will never give up his CG. I look at my fuel gauge more as a progress bar than a fuel gauge.
G: With my GSXR I do often effectively use it as a scooter with a clutch in town.
ms51ves3: why does it need 500 miles? Are you teaching it how to be a piston?

[The Original Muzza]

I keep track of which wall I piss it up against, if that counts?
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Current Bikes: Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 (2020)
Former Bikes: Honda MSX125 (2014), BMW Funduro (1996), Honda VT500 (1983), Yamaha FZR250 (1989), Suzuki GZ125 Marauder(2005),:Triumph TT600 (2002) (stolen)
From then on, I and the bicycle feelings deeper.

[Glory Hunter]

I have an application called Money Manager on my mobile, it's pretty basic but means I can log everything as I spend it / withdraw it.

It certainly makes me think about what I'm spending (and I'm crap with money!)

It's free and can be downloaded from here:

https://moneymanager.en.softonic.com/java
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2003 Suzuki VanVan - Sold
2000 Honda CB500 - written off by a spoilt brat with no manners
2005 Yamaha XT660 - I'm in lurve....

[Stelmer]

Being low paid and very bad with money, I work mine out every payday.

Now, since I blew up the work van, i'll be loosing money each month to pay for that now. (New company rules.)

For someone living at home, my finances are shocking, to say the least!!!!

[WildGoose]

[Stelmer]

Interesting.

I always thought that the new rules were a bit suspect. Their vehicles are on 3rd party only insurance and any damage they pay for.

A month or so ago, they introduced a scheme where the driver is liable in a fault accident, damage, valeting or breakdowns. They expect us to pay a contribution to it, including the hire car, which is not cheap.

So far, it's been a week and I have not heard anything from work which is worrying.

[Nb]

[lostboy]

I have to keep an eye on my budget got a big wedding planned for next year so saving like mad. plus if I didn't the missus would use my balls for ear rings
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[Stelmer]

[garth]

As I earn fuck all, I've got to keep track and budget fairly well.

It's rubbish.
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[colin1]