If computer programs are not your thing, then pull out a pen and a pad of paper. You can always do it the old fashion way. You can use a check register, they are already set up for you, and you can use them for more than just checks, track your card spending on it too.

If you do not want to use a check register, use a notebook. Notebooks can do wonders for you. You just write down how much you have in your account, or how much you have to spend, then each time you buy something, write it underneath the last entry, and do the math so that you are always aware of how much money you have left. If you are nearing zero stop spending!

To create a satisfactorily way to track expenditures you have to determine what is satisfactory to you. Your personal preferences, and what works for your lifestyle, etc. will help you figure out a satisfactory way to track.

Once you decide what is not going to work for you, such as a computer, etc. you can determine what will work for you. You may find that the simplest thing is to simply write numbers, not even what you purchased. You can find that some of the things that are not satisfactory for others are for you. So make up your mind about what will work for you, and what won't.

One of the best ways to create a satisfactory way of tracking expenditures is to be consistent and make needed changes. For example, if you use a certain method for only a day or two, how will you know if it will work? You have to be as consistent as possible. Once you are doing something consistent as you can, you can evaluate what works, and what doesn't. If you are trying to enter things in daily, but you miss certain receipts you may find that the best thing to do is buy a small folder to keep in your purse or car for receipts, and you can label the pickets Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, then only record once a week.

You are the only one that can determine what is and what is not working, but you have to figure this out through trial and error. So, be patient, and be willing to try new things if what you are doing is not working for you.

Tracking expenditures is important, it is a good way to make sure you do not go further in debt, or blow your budget, but it is also important to track your expenditures because banks make mistakes, and if you track your spending, you can check your accounts for accuracy, etc.