Day 10

Go cash-only.  An MIT study found that people spend up to twice as much when they pay with a credit card instead of cash.  Leave the cards at home.


I fee like I am veering off my cleanse...but I just can't do this either!  I have thought about it and tried, but I always end up spending the money that I have!  Plus, I am afraid to do this with big purchases such as grocery shopping.  Maybe some day...

Day 9

Spend nothing today.  Your first week was all about getting a grip on exactly where you stand with your bills and outstanding debts.  Now, it's time to start being more mindful about your purchases with a one-day money "fast."  No eating out or ordering in.   You'll see just how much you could be banking after you detox from all that unconcious spending.


Well, I didn't quite do this on Sunday.  I had already plans to go to a movie which made it tough to not spend.  I did ask if I could have a student discount with my new ID card though!  I made my lunch at home and ate dinner out at Panera with a gift card.  I have to say though, I go many days without spending money!

Day 8

Start tracking your spending.  An easy way to stick to the budget you set up on Day 4 is to sign up for a free account at mint.com or another budgeting site.  Or you can opt for an old-fashioned notebook and use that to log all your expenditures.


I actually made an account on mint.com and did not use it.  I have also tried other apps on my phone.  What works best for me is checking my bank account daily and knowing that I only spent money on what I was supposed to!

Day 7 - Weekend

Set up a financial filing system.  Grab all the stuff you compiled yesterday and organize it.  Designate one folder for receipts to get you ready for next year's tax deductions, one for unpaid bills, and others for any categories that make sense for you.  If you get some or most of your bills electronically, use the free site manilla.com to organize all of your paperless statements to keep on top of bill paying.


Like I said yesterday...I already have this down at home.  It has helped me to know where everything is!


I am excited for my day today...we are taking the whole school to see the Chimpanzee Movie.  Should be fun!

Day 6

Wrangle your paperwork.  Pull out all the receipts, tax returns, bills, and insurance claims you have lying around in various folders.  Stack 'em in a neat pile - you'll need them tomorrow!


Well, Miss Organized here has already done this!  It's a good thing too, because I am going to a friend's "Sprinkle" tonight for her second baby.  Mani/pedi and out to eat!  Can't wait!

Day 5

Financial Date Night!  Get your partner on board, show him the numbers you've worked up and agree together on how much you'll put away each month toward your goal.  If you're single, write out a contract with yourself and sign to make it official!


I couldn't do Day 5 because my husband happens to be out of town.  We will do it when he returns!  He may not be too excited to sit down and talk about this though...

Day 4

Do the math!  Pull out all the numbers you have jotted down and subtract your debt payments and household expenses from your take home pay.  That's what you have leftover to put towards goals and "fun money".  This becomes a budget!

Well, we do not have very much for "fun money" but that is alright.  I like this money cleanse because it makes it so easy to do each daily task!  On the house from yesterday...we were one of five offers!  We ended up not getting the house, which is okay because I was not totally totally in love.  There will be more out there!