So I’ve officially been using the 22seven app for a month now and wow, just WOW!
As I said in my previous 22seven post, I was never much of a budgeter. I find the idea of drawing up an excel spreadsheet way too tedious. But, as I get older and wiser (and more financially savvy) I’m realizing how important budgeting is. Prior to using the app, I really hadn’t a clue where my money was going.
What 22seven has shown me in just a month, in terms of my (rather reckless) spending, is just how much I’m forking out on non-essentials like clothing and eating out. In November, I spent a whopping R2800 on eating out! WTF? While I was aware I was spending a bit, I thought it was more in the region of R1000, R1500 max – how wrong I was…
Clothing is another expense I’ve come to realize I’m spending way, way too much on. I mean, R2210 a month on JUST SHOES (granted, Woolies have been having a very good shoes season, and all my purchases are leather that I’ll wear for years to come, but still) – Really Candice, REALLY?
It’s amazing how when you start seeing your (uncontrolled, in my case) spending patterns emerge, and they’re laid out in a simple, easy to understand way – you really start thinking about how you’re spending your money.
YES CANDICE, JUST STOP, ALREADY!
Because previously I had a ‘head-in-the-sand’ attitude to money, this translated into my finances being in a bit of a state. I’m really starting to believe that the more of an interest I take in my money, the more I’ll understand it and save.
So, I’ve decided to set budgets for clothing, entertainment, Christmas gifts and food. And I’m adamant I’m going to stick to them.
It’s really easy to do with the app. All you do is, well, set a budget. The app let’s you know when you’re about to go over, and you can either re-set the budget, or re-think your purchase. Given that it’s Christmas, sticking to my budget will be difficult, but I’m adamant that I will.
I did a few sums and I realized that if I cut my average clothing and entertainment by just half, come December 2016, I’d have a pretty tidy sum to invest, pay for family holiday or put towards my daughters education. I find this to be a rather exciting prospect. In fact, after seeing the quote below (and given that I haven’t travelled half as much as I want to), I’ll spend it on a holiday!
AMEN!
If you still haven’t downloaded the FREE 22seven app, you can do so by clicking HERE.
