Do you have trouble with spending your own money? Just about everyone, whether you’re a single parent or just single, at some point has trouble keeping their finances in check. Today, money can be tight and a very scarce thing. That’s why controlling your spending is the most key thing to those who can’t seem to hold on to their last penny!

Many people have different ways of keeping their finances in check, but not everyone gets to that point of making personal changes to their spending habits. To start managing your finances, first develop a spending plan to avoid overspending. You can do this by making a list of things you need, and afterwards assign a dollar amount to each thing listed. This way you can stick to a stricter plan and be more in control. After you’ve done that, get a few previous bill statements for things that you’ve paid for in the needs category for things like food, clothing, transportation, etc. Once you’ve done that, look at your bank account online for ready access to your funds and statements. This will allow you to match you list to what you have in your account already.

Managing money is more of a necessity nowadays to staying afloat in this economy. If you want to survive and make every penny count, following these steps will surely get you on a healthier financial track. And if you’re lucky, you can squeeze room in for splurges and more elaborate forms of entertainment and treating yourself!