💳 How I Track My Spending (Without Spreadsheets)

Because budgeting should feel clear — not complicated.

Spreadsheets are amazing… for some people. For me? They felt overwhelming, time-consuming, and a little too rigid for my everyday life.

At The Everyday Edit, I’ve found a way to track my spending that’s intuitive, low-effort, and actually helps me see where my money’s going — no Excel formulas required.

Here’s exactly how I do it:

🧾 1. I Categorize My Spending Simply

I don’t overcomplicate it. I use just a few key categories:

• Essentials (rent, groceries, bills)

• Flex (eating out, gas, household items)

• Fun (coffee runs, clothes, books)

• Savings/Debt

That’s it. Four categories. Easy to remember and easy to review.

📱 2. I Use a Notes App Tracker

Each week, I open a note labeled “Weekly Spend – [Month]”
Under each category, I jot down what I spent — and round up for simplicity.

Example:

Fun
• Matcha date – $6
• Thrifted sweater – $20
Total: $26

I update it in real-time or during my Sunday money check-in. No syncing, no spreadsheets, just me and my phone.

🛍 3. I Reflect Weekly (Not Daily)

Instead of tracking every penny obsessively, I zoom out once a week:

• Where did my money go?

• Did it align with my goals?

• What felt worth it?

• What could I skip next time?

This makes it feel empowering, not restrictive.

🧠 4. I Keep a “Why I Spent It” Column

Sometimes I write a little note next to each item — especially if it was emotional or impulsive.

• “Bookstore browse — needed a reset”
• “Delivery because I was too tired to cook”

Over time, I learn my patterns and adjust without guilt.

🔄 5. I Give Myself a Reset Budget Weekly

Instead of a rigid monthly budget, I use weekly reset amounts:

• $50 for fun

• $100 for groceries

• etc.

If I go over one week, I adjust the next. It feels lighter and more doable than trying to “get it perfect” across 30 days.

Final Thoughts

Tracking your spending doesn’t have to be fancy or complex — it just has to make sense to you.
By simplifying the process and focusing on reflection (not restriction), I’ve built money habits that actually stick — and feel good.

How do you track your spending? Drop your favorite method or tip below — let’s make money feel easier together 💛