Money and discipline

One of the biggest problems I have had with money is discipline with money and spending. I still suffer from it today some at 61. So having a budget is the best idea and sticking to it. I was never that disciplined. But what I did do was use a notebook to track my income and the bills. so bills on the left column how much, who and when its due. draw a line on the right side with paydays and usual amount. Look at due dates and amounts to see when it should be paid out of what check. I try to space out due dates if possible to spread the bills over several paydays. Use a symbol like a + or = to match the due dates to what check to get bill amounts for each check. With the total bill amounts for each check next to it, you will always know where you stand. The usual amounts you will be putting out on each check will help you see where all your money is going. 

This takes some amount of discipline to assemble this information and be thorough. We kinda guessed on fuel and food by keeping the receipts to get an estimate. If you were thorough on all the places that you pay out to every month you get a good picture on where the money goes and importantly what could get cancelled if it was not necessary now that there so many small dollar amounts like streaming, music, etcetera. 

Sure hope this was post about money and being disciplined helps at least a few people trying to navigate  their finances and do better than just getting by.