Isn't it amazing how putting it in writing makes it easier to stick to it? Kudos to you for taking that step!
One thing that works for me is to literally update my financial data every day. My bank shows pending transactions (as soon as the debit card is swiped; once DH asked if he could get lunch but didn't say where and I told him yes. A few minutes later I was working on the money and saw he'd gone to Quizno's - our favorite "fast food." I texted him "You suck!" from the computer and he said he was putting the last bite in his mouth when he started laughing, which made people stare because he was sitting by himself in the store, LOL). Anyway, we rarely write checks so pretty much everything we spend is right there, either in bill pay (which is free) or as a pending transaction. It takes seconds - at most a minute or two - to compare the receipts and update my electronic register with these transactions. A daily habit doesn't take long and it keeps you right on top of things, so if it's possible for your situation I highly recommend it!
I update my accounts through my online banking as well. I tried for years to use Quicken for our personal accounts, but it is really just wayyyy too much work for me. I get into the office an hour early every day, get my staff set, answer email and still have about 15 minutes to update my accounts prior to my first meeting and compare to my simple Excell spending plan for that pay.
I also am the only one in the office that does my expense reports the day I get back from any trip - hey why should the company hold on to my money at no interest?
Isn't it amazing how putting it in writing makes it easier to stick to it? Kudos to you for taking that step!
One thing that works for me is to literally update my financial data every day. My bank shows pending transactions (as soon as the debit card is swiped; once DH asked if he could get lunch but didn't say where and I told him yes. A few minutes later I was working on the money and saw he'd gone to Quizno's - our favorite "fast food." I texted him "You suck!" from the computer and he said he was putting the last bite in his mouth when he started laughing, which made people stare because he was sitting by himself in the store, LOL). Anyway, we rarely write checks so pretty much everything we spend is right there, either in bill pay (which is free) or as a pending transaction. It takes seconds - at most a minute or two - to compare the receipts and update my electronic register with these transactions. A daily habit doesn't take long and it keeps you right on top of things, so if it's possible for your situation I highly recommend it!
FLINGING DEBT:
I update my accounts through my online banking as well. I tried for years to use Quicken for our personal accounts, but it is really just wayyyy too much work for me. I get into the office an hour early every day, get my staff set, answer email and still have about 15 minutes to update my accounts prior to my first meeting and compare to my simple Excell spending plan for that pay.
I also am the only one in the office that does my expense reports the day I get back from any trip - hey why should the company hold on to my money at no interest?
-Marie