"How do you actually get your finances under control?" A friend asked me this the other day over a beer, and honestly, it's a fair question. Especially when everyday life feels like a series of small emergencies with kidsand work.
For me, the first big step was realizing how much clarity I got from just tracking my money. It sounds dull—I get it—but knowing exactly where your money goes is like switching on a flashlight in a dark room. Suddenly you see all the stuff scattered around that you didn't realize was there.
My wife and I started simply: pen, paper, and brutal honesty. Later we moved to spreadsheets, and eventually, I built my own budgeting app? The main point isn’t the tool, though; it's the habit. When you manually write down every expense, you're forced to acknowledge your decisions. Believe me, it hurts a bit when you see how much you've spent on random online buys or impulsive grocery store extras. But that discomfort is exactly what helps you change.
Next, it helps to simplify. My financial mantra is straightforward: "Not needing is better than having." It doesn't mean living like a monk—trust me, with a five-year-old and a two-year-old at home, simplicity often feels like a distant dream. But it means being aware.
When it comes to long-term financial stability, we don't overcomplicate things. Our money goes into ETFs (mainly MSCI World). Nothing flashy, nothing complicated—just regular, boring investments that work over time. And because our investments are straightforward, there's more mental space for things we truly care about, like family trips somewhere warm and sunny or eating good food together.
One crucial thing I've learned: financial control doesn't mean constant restriction. It means understanding priorities. Yes, our car isn't impressive, but it's reliable. It gets us to kindergarten, swimming pools, and occasionally a friend's barbecue without fuss. Status symbols might impress someone else, but honestly, our circle of friends couldn't care less.
Finally, financial control in our family isn't about control at all—it's about trust. My wife and I share a joint account, and every decision we make is together. No secret stashes, no hidden expenses. It works because we have the same mindset. It's not always smooth sailing, but mutual trust goes a long way toward keeping things balanced.
So, how do you get your finances under control? Start by looking honestly at what you're spending, keep things simple, and talk openly with your partner. Oh, and keep a little humor about the whole thing—because life's too short to stress about every penny.