191 | The Spending Tracking Spectrum: Level 4

We'll call this the "Storytelling Level" because there's finally enough detail to tell a compelling story about where our money goes.

This level sharpens the focus of Level 3 without the unwieldiness of Level 5.

And it's an ideal landing spot if you want to be more intentional.

The outcome will be something like...

I spent $6,500 this month – $800 was taxes, $900 was giving, $100 was professional fees, $500 was medical, $1,500 was fixed home costs, $300 was utilities, $300 was car, $500 was variable home costs, $900 was food, $300 was kids, $200 was gifts, $100 was fun, and $100 was travel.

Of course it's more effort than Level 3 - because of the categories.

But it's also more informative than Level 3 - because of the categories.

The tiny bit of categorizing pushes us to reflect on contentment, not just viability.

Because we're capturing the character of spending, not just the amount.

This is the first level where the money story in our head begins to interact with the money story on paper.

Which can affirm where we're heading or help turn us around.

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192 | The Spending Tracking Spectrum: Level 5

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190 | The Spending Tracking Spectrum: Level 3