Tracking Small Purchasesby Miriam Caldwell | More from this Blogger 30 Oct 2007 08:36 PM One of the most frustrating aspects of money management is keeping up with the little purchases. This can be difficult if you are dealing with debit transactions or cash. It is so easy to say that the five or ten dollar purchases don't matter, but they can add up and overdraw your account if you are not careful. Here are five ways to limit those purchases and to track them better. 1) Try to limit the small transactions by planning ahead and doing bigger shopping trips. You usually spend more money then you plan to on little stops or you may spend extra so that you can pay with your debit card. Also it is cheaper to buy a six pack of soda rather than just one. The convenience store may quick, but they are making a lot of money on the products they sale. 2) Stop carrying your debit card with you. Keep an emergency twenty or fifty in your wallet, but only use it for emergencies. This will help you to start planning your shopping more effectively. If you do not have your debit card with you, you are less likely to stop at a store on the way to get something you really do not need. 3) Decide to cut out one category of small purchases from the month. It may be your cup of coffee or your convenience store stop for a soda. It could be your quick stops at the grocery store after work. It may be fast food at lunch. No matter what you decide it will make a difference in your budget. 4) Find a place to store your receipts until you record them. This may be a basket next to your computer. It may be an envelope on your counter. It may be your wallet. The key is to not lose the receipts. If you are married, your spouse needs to be responsible of keeping track of the receipts as well. 5) Spend time each day or every other day recording the small purchases. They add up quickly and it is important that you stay on top of them. You may be surprised at how many you really do have. Once you see this you may find other ways to limit them. Related Articles: Why Isn't My Budget Working? Get Organized Financially Learn more about Miriam Caldwell  Miriam is a SAHM mom of three children. She has a daughter who is seven, and two sons, four and two. She loves being a parent and spending time with her children. Relevantmoney tags User Comments No comments on this article yet. Be the first to comment! Community Tags budget, money, spending Discuss this article
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