Let’s be honest—most of us avoid looking at our spending habits like it’s that drawer full of tangled charging cords. Why? Because it’s messy, revealing, and sometimes a little painful. But here’s the truth: you can’t fix what you don’t face.
In a recent conversation, we broke it down into a simple 3-step journey to take back control of your money. Let’s walk through it together.
Step 1: TRACK IT — Face the Numbers
The first step to getting control of your finances isn’t fancy. It’s not about stocks or budgeting apps or financial advisors. It’s about tracking your income and your spending. All of it. The lattes. The subscriptions. The groceries. That random late-night Amazon purchase.
Why do most people avoid this?
Because when you shine a light on your money, you might not like what you see. But guess what? Awareness is empowering. Once you see where your money’s going, you’ll start to feel more in control.
📝 Try This: Track every dollar you earn and spend for the next 30 days. Use a spreadsheet, a notebook, or an app—whatever works for you.
Step 2: ANALYZE IT — Look for Patterns
Once you’ve tracked your finances, it’s time to play detective. Where is your money actually going?
Ask yourself:
- What are my top 3 spending categories?
- Did I spend more than I earned?
- Am I saving, paying off debt, or investing at all?
- What spending habits make me proud?
- Which ones shocked me?
This is where lightbulb moments happen. You may find you’re spending hundreds a month eating out, or realize your streaming services quietly add up to a car payment. You can’t fix a leak if you don’t know where the water’s dripping.
Step 3: TAKE ACTION — Create a Plan
Now that you know what’s going on, it’s time to do something about it.
👉 Cut what doesn’t align with your values.
👉 Add more of what brings peace (like saving).
👉 Make small shifts that lead to big wins over time.
Write down 1–2 money goals and a short “why” statement. Example:
“I want to save $500 in the next 2 months so I can stop stressing about car repairs.”
Bonus: Free Worksheet 📄
We turned this 3-step method into a simple printable worksheet. And yes—it has the Help Your Finances logo right at the top so you know you’re doing it with heart.
👉 Download the 3-Step Financial Control Worksheet
Related Articles:
- Master Your Money: The Power of Budgeting with YNAB
- Save for Your First Home with This Fun Budget Plan
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The information provided on HelpyYourFinances.com is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be financial advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the content, it is important to remember that financial decisions are personal and should be tailored to your individual circumstances.
We strongly recommend that you consult with a qualified financial advisor or other professional before making any financial decisions. The content on this website should not be considered a substitute for professional financial advice, analysis, or recommendations. Any reliance you place on the information provided is strictly at your own risk.
