Write it Out

If you are having trouble maintaining the salary vs. cost of living/wine habit like most twentysomethings, I encourage you to try this ridiculous trick my 28-year-old brother shared with me.

Basically, it's like using the old write-down-everything-you-eat diet trick, except a little less depressing.

Every time you make a purchase over $2 this week, write it down. Don't be psycho about it, but at the end of the day look at your receipts or how much cash is left in your wallet and scribble down all your purchases.

I did this and was amazed at how much I actually spent -- those lunchtime tuna sandwiches and trips to Target can really add up! Basically, it gave me a good idea of what I do spend and where I need to cut back to stay within the ballpark of my budget. For instance, yeah, I can in fact go out to dinner without feeling awful about it for the rest of the night (but I can't do that every night).

A lot of people don't like to keep track of their finances because they are scared to know. That's always been me. I thought I'd be really freaked out when I saw my purchases, but actually it made me feel more in control and therefore less anxious -- despite the limited funds.