I’m not the most money savvy person in the world.  Things happen in our lives where we can’t control what we spend like a best friend’s birthday coming up, replacing a UPASS (for the third time this year!), buying groceries, paying for utility bills, and buying last minute items.  Those small things don’t really enter into our “budget” so it might throw off how we spend.  However, since working at Financial Fitness, I’ve acquired a few skills along the way.  You have to know what you are good at.  I know I’m not the greatest with budgeting, but I also know what I can and can’t live without.   What are expenses for you? Do you always grab a candy bar when you’re in the checkout line in the grocery store? Do you always go out for lunch instead of making your own once in awhile?

I have an online account with one of my banks that I use continuously.  I always tell myself by the end of the week, I should have this much.  Or, don’t go over this amount.  It doesn’t work all the time.   If you are one of those people that budgeting and savings doesn’t come as easily, then maybe I’ve found the trick for you.

The Birdy.com is an online money management tool that is as simple as 1, 2, 3! Without banking accounts and other personal information, you simply respond to an email a day (other forms of communication can be given like texting or entering the information on their website), explaining what you spend money on that day.  If you are into hashtags, send those in a text or email!  The Birdy.com will record a pattern of your spending habits with a simple ready to read dashboard.  In addition to the dashboard, your expenses for the month will be highlighted in a pie chart or bar graph of your choosing. The convenience of this website is great for those who have trouble going through the process of continually updating their list of expenses.

 What do you buy too often? Is there something you can do without? Give this website a try to take the guesswork out of budgeting!