The One Habit That Changed My Financial Life Forever

I used to believe I had an income problem.

But the real issue wasn’t how much I earned. It was that I had no idea where my money was going.

Like water through my fingers — no matter how tight I tried to grip it, it disappeared. I felt anxious checking my account. I hated seeing my balance. I didn’t know how to fix it — so I avoided it.

Until I discovered one simple habit that changed everything:

Tracking every penny.

Not budgeting. Not saving. Just watching.

Visibility Creates Power

Most people aren’t bad with money — they’re just blind to it. When I started tracking what I spent (literally every transaction), I could finally see the patterns that were keeping me broke.

I learned that awareness creates accountability. Not in a shameful way — but in an empowering way.

I saw that I was emotionally spending after long days
I noticed hidden subscriptions I forgot I had
I realised my “small treats” were draining 25% of my income

You can’t fix what you won’t face. And you can’t manage what you won’t measure.

Tracking gave me my first taste of peace.

How I Started (And Why It Worked)

I didn’t use an app at first. Just a notebook and my bank alerts.

Every time I spent money — I wrote it down. Groceries, £2 top-up, takeaway, giving. Every. Single. Penny.

And within one week, I was stunned. My money wasn’t broken. My habits were invisible.

That’s when I realised:

“Clarity is the first step to control.”

And that’s what most budgeting advice misses — it starts with control, before giving people clarity.

How to Start Tracking (Today)

If you’re tired of feeling behind or overwhelmed, here’s how to start:

Commit to tracking for 7 days. You’re not fixing — just noticing.
Choose your tool
- Pen + paper
- Notes app
- Google Sheet (you can grab mine for free on the Resources page)
Don’t judge yourself. The goal is not to feel bad. The goal is to see clearly.
Reflect at the end of the week. Ask: What surprised me? What do I want to adjust?

This habit gave me power, not pressure.

Why It Still Works Today

Years later, I still track. Not every penny, every day — but I do weekly check-ins. It’s like a financial mirror. And when things feel off, I go back to the basics.

Because this isn’t about perfection. It’s about staying awake.

If you only do one thing this week, let it be this:

Start seeing where your money is going.

It might just change your life like it did mine.

Want to try it? Grab the free Savings Tracker Template and The Spending Journal Starer →

Or get the 10 money moves guide