I am a FREAK when it comes to organizing my checkbook. I don't see how people balance their checkbooks only once a month when their bank statement comes in the mail. I'm signed up for online banking and I check my account and balance my checkbook EVERY.SINGLE.DAY. I need to know how much is in my account every day...down to the penny. To further cement my OCD status when it comes to my checkbook, I color code everything that's written down. Yep. Color coded.
Breakdown:
Green is bills. Medical, credit cards, house payments, utilities, etc. This is the stuff that has to be paid, before anything else. On payday, I sit down and make sure all the greens are taken care of first.
Orange is gas purchases. Since we live in Bardstown and I'm driving to Etown, I like to easily see how much I'm spending per month in gas. Makes budgeting so much easier.
Pink is deposits. Paychecks, cash deposits, etc. Helps me be able to add up what's coming in.
Blue is necessities. Grocery trips, medicines, clothes for Avery, clothes for me or Marty (that are needed, not just a splurge), etc.
Yellow is my least favorite. It's unnecessary purchases. Trips through the drive through, that cute pair of shoes I wanted, but didn't need. Those kinds of things. It's more of a motivator when I look in my checkbook and see 5 yellow highlighted purchases. I feel guilty for throwing that much money away and vow to do better.
I know, I know. I'm OCD. At least I'm admitting it, right? It sure makes me feel better and makes balancing the checkbook and making my budget so much easier.....and more colorful. :)
1 comments:
I think that is a great idea! It allows you to look and quickly assess your expenses. Better than me. I just go thru the checkbook at the end of the month to add up my gas abd unnecessary (mainly restaurant) purchases. Don't feel too bad, I check my online banking everyday too.
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