I don't like programs that automatically pull in transactions from online banking, etc.
I made a spreadsheet (a google doc) with multiple tabs, so that each day I can log what I purchased, as well as track progress toward various financial goals.
This is all well and good, but I think the best solution is probably the simplest. Just figure out your budget and set up your online bill pay to send checks automatically.
Then on the first of the month, withdraw cash for your entire monthly discretionary spending -- food, gadgets, etc. If your ATM won't let you take out enough, have your bank increase the limit.
Then you can ration (or not) with each purchase. You won't need to carry around your atm/check card either, since you are using cash. And if you have any cash left at the end of the month, you have succeeded. If you had to withdraw more cash, you failed.
I made a spreadsheet (a google doc) with multiple tabs, so that each day I can log what I purchased, as well as track progress toward various financial goals.
This is all well and good, but I think the best solution is probably the simplest. Just figure out your budget and set up your online bill pay to send checks automatically.
Then on the first of the month, withdraw cash for your entire monthly discretionary spending -- food, gadgets, etc. If your ATM won't let you take out enough, have your bank increase the limit.
Then you can ration (or not) with each purchase. You won't need to carry around your atm/check card either, since you are using cash. And if you have any cash left at the end of the month, you have succeeded. If you had to withdraw more cash, you failed.