tracking expenses

I've been trying to figure out how do people keep track of their expenses. Do they really write down every single penny they spend every single day? That seems like an awful lot of work. I like the idea of knowing where my money is going so I can then figure out a way to cut down on expenses, but the idea of keeping that sort of money journal is intimidating. I've tried Quicken, but it just seems too advanced for the kind of financial life I lead. I mean, I don't use credit cards, I don't have automatic payments or long-term debt to pay off, and I only have one bank account to track. So I've been looking online for hours for a freeware program I can download and I've finally settled on this one. Simple enough that I can live with it and still have an idea of what's going on.

I'll let you know how it works.

the rules of the game

There aren't many, so don't despair. I'm making this as easy as possible on myself. In the end, it doesn't matter where the money comes from, although I am setting a few basic rules.

- I will save money by giving up things or switching to cheaper alternatives.
- I will give up unnecessary luxuries.
- I will do without whenever possible.
- I will try to get things for free before I decide to buy something.
- I will take up additional employment in order to earn more.
- I can save a lot one month and nothing the next. No set rules on this.

I am hoping to learn as I go. I'm also hoping to grow through the process and understand why I've made the mistakes I've made in the past regarding my finances. I'm hoping this year will bring around a lot more than money. I'm also hoping for wisdom.

i'm broke (ain't that a surprise?)

Actually, I can't remember a time when I haven't been broke. It's just ridiculous. I know you've heard it before: it's not about not making enough money, but about spending whatever it is I do earn. No matter what my income is, it's always gone by the end of the month. The funny (or sad) thing is that I've survived on as little as $200 a month but then spent $1,000 the next month on things I can't even remember buying. I don't really shop much, I don't have any vices, I'm a vegetarian... You would think I'd be able to make ends meet somewhat, but it hasn't happened.

My next book (which is in the planning stage) is actually about it. I'm giving myself a year to save $10,000 and blogging my way through the whole experience. Don't think it's possible? I think it's more than possible. I think anybody can do it given the right mindset, good planning and enough determination. And if there's something I am is stubborn. If I want something bad enough, I'm getting it. So feel free to come back here for quick updates and follow me through this journey. I'll even let you make fun of me when I start whining about the whole thing.