A calendarWhile I don't set and stick to a strict monthly budget, I do try to set myself up for success ahead of each month by filling out a money calendar.
I use Google Drawings to do this digitally, but ultimately it is a version of a pen and paper spending plan.
Spending 'buckets'In 2023, my primary bank, Ally, introduced a feature called "buckets" in its app for savings and checking accounts.
This year, I started using the spending buckets feature in my checking account to keep even better track of my money in tandem with my calendar.
When my paycheck hits my account, I start shuffling money around to various buckets: debt payments, insurance premiums, beauty treatments and more.
Persons:
Otis