Three Step Plan
Step 1 - Get Real
Your Monthly Expenses
Input Your Actual Expenses
You work hard for your cash so let’s find out where you’re spending it! You’ll need to collect your bank statements, credit card statements and all receipts for one month. Keep in mind it's best not to use January or December as your spending probably isn’t an accurate reflection of your average spending throughout the year. We know it may sound painful, but grab a glass of wine, your papers and commit to knowing your numbers! We’re sure you’ll find hundreds in hidden money you didn’t know you had!
Step 2 - Get Inspired
Create Your Perfect Day
Congrats, you know your numbers, now it's time to take a deep breath and do a little daydreaming. Have you ever dreamed of what your Perfect Day would be like? If you could design a Perfect Day, what would it look like, how would you feel? Get ready to open your eyes and see where your money should really be going!
For this step, close your eyes and imagine it’s a Friday morning a few years from now (we recommend a five year time frame). Now think about exactly how you want to spend that day. And keep in mind that this is a weekday (yes, you still have to work, but consider the type of work you’ll be doing). Use the questions below to help describe your Perfect Day.
Add Up Your Perfect Day
Your Perfect Day is just a dream unless you attach a real number to it. This exercise will turn your Perfect Day into a reality by allowing you to plan exactly how much money you'll need to live your Perfect Day.
This exercise will turn your Perfect Day into a reality by allowing you to plan exactly how much money you'll need for all of those fabulous items you've listed in your Perfect Day.
Know Your Rather Factor
Congrats, you are now armed with your Spending Plan but realize its all about maintenance! Use your Spending Snapshot to enter in your actual spending at the end of each month (don’t worry, we’ll remind you). You’ll then be able to compare your actual spending and savings to your plan and adjust accordingly.
The Rather Factor Card will help you with this.
The Rather Factor card is meant to be used as a tool in case of an emergency...well a shopping emergency! Download this fabulous little tool to put into your wallet. When you feel the temptation to spend more than you should, you'll be reminded of the things you really do want to spend your money on, and you can call your 'call in case of emergency' friend you've listed on the card to help you off that spending ledge!
In Step 3 you defined items and activities you'd really like to have. You also associated a cost to each item and activity, quantified the cost over a period of time and defined the required monthly savings you need to achieve each goal.
Step 3 - Get Focused
Track Your Money Spending
Your Spending Plan is your personal guide to help your spending stay on track and inline with your Perfect Day.
What’s the best part about the Smart Cookies Spending Plan? It’s YOUR Spending Plan! It is designed to allow you to customize each line item, so that your spending and savings reflect your Perfect Day.
Use the categories below to guide your plan but make sure that your Spending Plan includes the three activities and three items you mentioned in your Perfect Day, and breaks each one down into how much you’ll set aside for them every month.
For Example: If your Perfect Day includes going to yoga, entertaining friends and planning a weekend ski vacation, your Spending Plan will show them as specific line items.
It’s your choice. You can adjust your Spending Plan in whatever area you decide, whenever you like or as your priorities change. It’s all about helping you achieve your dreams!
Connect with a Money Group
You've worked hard and are well on your way to taking charge of your money. Now its time to have some fun! What's better than being in control of your money and attracting more money into your life? Doing it with your friends!
The best way to stay on track is to use your friends to hold you accountable. Use the tools below to find an existing money group in your area, or invite your friends and start your own.
