188 | The Spending Tracking Spectrum: Level 1

We'll call this the "Caveman Level" because there is so little to track that it could go on a rock wall.

Add up the withdrawals from any active bank accounts (this will inevitably include what you paid towards any credit cards) for the past month.

The outcome will be something like...

I spent $6,500 this month.

Notice whether it feels like a number that is larger or smaller than you expected.

If you’re feeling wild, glance at some of the bigger transactions and ask yourself, “Would I spend it again under the same circumstances?”.

Remembering that "under the same circumstances" is not the same as "based on what I know now".

Pat yourself on the back because Level 1 is a higher level of tracking than most people.

Repeat this for as many months as it takes for it to feel easy and constructive.

If this is the highest level you reach, it still counts as tracking your spending.