The best way to track spending is what works for you.
For some, a big green paper spreadsheet works well. But you have to do the math. For others, technology eliminates the tedious stuff.
The key is to keep at it consistently, tracking your spending, and becoming more aware of how you use your money.
Try some free tools. Among others: Mint, EveryDollar (a Dave Ramsey product), Clarity Money, Fudget, DollarBird, and mvelopes.
Paid apps include upgraded versions of mvelopes and Fudget, You Need A Budget (YNAB; $84 billed annually), and Digit ($2.99 monthly subscription).
Rick Good spent ten years in the newspaper business, including with The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC) and The Greenville News (Greenville, SC). He co-wrote, with Melinda Coleman, Rutledge to Riley: Governors of South Carolina, 1776–Present (Published by The Greenville News), and is the author of Mind Games Trivia #1 (Amazon). He has recently spent 15 years creating original trivia content through Sounds Good Mobile Entertainment and continues that with his new company, SGME Software. He edits The Smart Reader’s money, real estate, and business coverage.
