Anonymous wrote:I have been following people on Youtube that follow him. I also started using everydollar. Just by trying to follow the Baby Steps as helped me tremendously. As another poster said, compared to how much the program as helped me to account for my spending, the $99 for FPU is well worth it. Once I started tracking my spending, i saw that I was spending over $300 eating out and another $400 for groceries for 2 people. Now, I only budget $60 every 2 weeks for eating out, once it's gone, no more eating out. I know this is just budgeting and being accountable but the people on Youtube that follow DR and the Everydollar program really inspire me.
So, if it's merely tracking every expense and then exercising self-restraint, why bother with a class or book?
My friend has always carried a little spiral notebook with her to track every expense. She started doing this in college in the early 90s (before smartphones and computers were mainstream). She had to out of necessity because she didn't have anyone paying her bills for her. She still does it today. She's one of the most frugal and disciplined people I know, and she has plenty of money to travel and have fun precisely because she doesn't piss money away.
So, again, why not simply track your expenses (including the cup of coffee or candy bar) and commit to a spending cleanse? See how little you can spend for the month and see if you notice a change in your bank account.