Are you trying to figure out how to use your Erin Condren Perpetual Calendar for something cute AND useful? Using it as a spending log is the perfect solution if you want to take charge of your finances and conquer your budget.
It’s really easy to use the Erin Condren Perpetual Calendar as a spending log. And it will do wonders for your finances whether you are trying to start a budget, get out of debt, or figure out where the heck all your money is going!
What is the Erin Condren Perpetual Calendar?
The Erin Condren Perpetual Calendar is a cute mini notebook with one line for each day of the year. Each month has a dedicated page in the book and there is also a couple of pages at the end of the book for important contacts, important passwords, and holidays & dates to remember.
Here’s a picture of the cover and inside:
What is a Spending Log? (and why you need one)
A spending log is a record of every single expense you make. Typically, for each purchase, you’ll list the date of the purchase, amount you spent, and the store where you made the purchase.
Spending logs are a great way to get your spending under control since you track each and every dollar that leaves your wallet.
Read here for more information about spending logs and why you should start one today.
How to use the Erin Condren Perpetual Calendar as a Spending Log
It’s so easy to use the perpetual calendar as a spending log. Just three simple steps:
1. Each day, record how much you spend and where you spend it (check out the picture below). Include everything – from your rent to the pack of gum. Make sure you do this every day; it’s best if you can record each expense right after you make it (the calendar is small enough to carry around with you).
2. At the end of the month, review all your purchases. Notice any scary trends? For me, I clearly have an addiction to Amazon. Also, maybe I’m spending a bit too much on lunches at work.
3. Challenge yourself next month. If you notice that you are spending too much on food, try to spend less the following month. Or try a no-spend week (or maybe a no-spend-Tuesdays the following month).
When you know that you have to write down each expense, you will likely think twice about buying something. For me, spending logs have the same effect as a cash-only plan – it keeps you hyper aware of where all your money is going.
When I was paying off my student loan debt, I wanted to keep a close eye on everything that I was spending. Using a spending log really kept my finances in check and I truly believe it helped me pay off my debt faster.
How else can I use the Erin Condren Perpetual Calendar?
You can use this calendar in so many ways (not just for a spending log, although that’s what I suggest!). The possibilities are endless. Here are some of ideas:
- Reading log
- Bill reminder
- Chore list
- Good deed of the day
- Meal tracker or meal planner
- Calorie tracker
- Fitness journal
Where can I get the calendar?
The perpetual calendar comes free with your purchase of an Erin Condren Life Planner or you can order it separately on the website. If you decide to purchase a calendar (or anything) on the Erin Condren website, you can get $10 off your first purchase with my affiliate link.
But if you are desperate to get your calendar today, it’s also sold at Staples!
What do you use your Erin Condren Perpetual Calendar for? Do you keep a spending log?
