But 53% of Americans say learning how to budget and track expenses is the most valuable money lesson they've learned, according to a recent survey of over 1,000 Americans from financial services company Empower. And the good news is, Americans are learning this lesson early — by age 22, on average, Empower found. Here's why it's so difficult to track your spending, and tips for making and sticking to your own money plan. Additionally, it may be difficult to start good money habits if you have subconscious negative beliefs or feelings around money that you haven't addressed. "Avoiding your money or having trouble starting the process of tracking your expenses can feel like you are protecting yourself from a daunting task."

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Persons: they've, Courtney Burrell, Burrell, Aja Evans Organizations: CNBC