Blogging for Change

Time to call it like it is

by Kim McGrigg on
7/8/2008
in Budgeting and Building Savings

My online money management system allows me to categorize expenses. Categories include groceries, food away from home, auto expenses, entertainment, housing, etc. In fact, I have 28 categories to choose from, yet it seems like a lot of my money is going toward “miscellaneous” items. (My most recent miscellaneous purchase was a giant wedge of soap that looks a bit loaf of bread—I challenge you to try and categorize that!)

The word miscellaneous means ‘composed of various things’; suddenly, I am not satisfied that 10 percent of my income is going to indefinable “stuff.” Starting today, I am labeling miscellaneous expenses for what they really are: frivolous.

I have high hopes that this bit of honesty will trick me into smarter spending. If you know of some quick tricks to curb frivolous spending, please share them through the comments section.

Kim McGrigg is the former Manager of Community and Media Relations for MMI.

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