Before I started paying attention to where my money was going, I honestly had no idea how much I spent on little things that added up fast.
I was one of those people who just swiped the card without thinking too much — a coffee here, a quick snack there, a couple of random online purchases. None of them felt like a big deal individually. But when I looked back, I realized those “small” expenses were stealing a lot of my budget.
So one day I decided to try tracking every single euro I spent. No exceptions. And no judgment.
It was eye-opening.
I used a simple notes app on my phone — nothing fancy. Every time I bought something, I’d type it in immediately. If I forgot, I’d check my bank app and log it later.
It wasn’t fun or glamorous. Sometimes it was annoying to remember to write things down, but it made me stop and think before spending.
Seeing the numbers laid out changed how I approached spending.
When I realized how much I was dropping on delivery food, I started cooking more. When I saw how often I was buying coffee out, I made it at home instead.
What surprised me most was how it helped me catch “money leaks” I hadn’t noticed. Little subscriptions I forgot about, impulse buys that felt harmless, and unnecessary fees.
By just tracking, I became more aware and more in control.
If you haven’t tracked your spending before, I really recommend trying it for a week or two. You don’t need a fancy app or spreadsheet — just write down what you spend and be honest with yourself.
It might feel like a hassle at first, but the awareness it gives you is powerful.
