Pen & Paper

Want to Control Your Spending? Grab a Pen, Not an App

If you’re trying to get your finances under control, don’t start with an app. Start with a piece of paper.

There’s something powerful about writing things down by hand. Unlike apps that make tracking feel passive and distant, pen and paper force you to face your spending.

Why Writing by Hand Works:

  • It builds awareness.
    When you physically write “€4 coffee” or “€12 lunch,” it sticks. You become more conscious of where your money goes.
  • It’s distraction-free.
    Apps live in your phone – right next to social media. Paper lives on your desk, fridge, or wallet. It reminds you without pinging you.
  • It creates a habit.
    Taking 2 minutes to review your spending each evening becomes a calming, mindful routine – a “financial review” of your day.

Try this:

  1. Take a small notebook or just a piece of paper.
  2. Every evening, list the date and everything you spent that day.
  3. No categories, no overthinking – just write it down.

Example:
April 30
- €3.50 coffee
- €8 lunch
- €2 parking
- €40 groceries

That’s it. At the end of the week, look back and reflect: Did I need it all? Would I spend the same again?

Bottom line:

You don’t need fancy tools to take control of your money. Just a pen, some paper, and five honest minutes a day.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The €5 Rule: A Mini Habit That Builds Big Savings

Want to save money without overthinking it? Try the €5 rule. It’s simple: Every time you get a €5 note, you don’t spend it. You set it aside. That’s it. Why It Works: It turns spending into saving. You feel a small win each time you save instead of spend. It adds up fast. Even just 3–4 notes per week becomes €60–80 per month. It’s automatic. No apps, no budgeting – just a simple habit triggered by cash. How to Start: Pick a jar, envelope, or box and label it “€5 Fund.” Each time you get a €5 note in change, save it. Check your stash at the end of the month – you’ll be surprised. Pro Tip: Use this fund for something fun or meaningful – a small trip, a treat, or emergency cash. It turns saving into a reward, not a punishment. Bottom line: The €5 rule is effortless, addictive, and shockingly effective. Sometimes, all it takes is a note to build a habit.
Read more

Save Money With Cash

Why Paying with Cash Might Be the Best Money Hack You’re Ignoring Ever looked at your bank statement and thought, “Where did it all go?” You're not alone. The truth is – paying with a card makes it way too easy to overspend. It’s smooth, fast… and dangerous. Here’s the deal: When you pay with cash, you feel the money leaving your hands. That moment of hesitation? That’s your brain waking up. Why Cash Works: You feel the pain of spending. Handing over €50 hurts more than tapping a card – and that’s a good thing. You set natural limits. Carry €100 for the week. When it’s gone, it’s gone. Simple and effective. You become more mindful. Every €5 counts when you see your wallet thinning out in real time. Try this: Go cash-only for one week – groceries, coffee, eating out. No apps, no tracking tools. Just you and your wallet. Chances are, you’ll spend less without even trying. Bottom line: Using cash isn’t old-fashioned. It’s powerful. Some...
Read more

Look Up from the Feed – Find Value in the Simple Life

It’s easy to get caught up in the scroll – shiny things, perfect meals, exotic places. But real life? It’s not in your phone. It’s in the quiet, the simple, the everyday moments we often overlook. We weren’t made to chase constant comparison or live through screens. Peace, joy, and contentment usually come when we slow down and live with intention. What Really Matters: The small daily routines. A meal with family. A walk without your phone. The smell of coffee in the morning. These are riches you can’t buy. The freedom of spending less. You don’t need the latest gadget or the perfect outfit. Less stuff means more space – in your home and in your mind. The joy of being present. When you stop chasing what others have, you start seeing what’s already in front of you – and it’s often more than enough. Try This: Take one hour today without screens. Sit, walk, breathe. No noise – just you and the moment. Write down three simple things you’re thankful for – ...
Read more