If you’ve ever downloaded a shiny new expense tracker app, got super motivated for the first few days, then completely forgot it existed… hi, hello, I’m waving at you from the same boat. 😂
Check out the video version here: https://youtu.be/If0UteT5DC0
I’ve tried multiple tracker apps — the aesthetic ones, the simple ones, the complicated ones — and every single time, I’d start strong. Like, unang araw pa lang, nilalagay ko na lahat: coffee, Grab food, groceries, even that random ₱10 tissue I bought at the cashier. I was so committed.
Then… after a while? Poof. Motivation gone. Tracker blank. Me pretending nothing happened. 😅
Expense trackers are supposed to give you “control” over your finances, but for me, they slowly turned into another chore I couldn’t keep up with. And honestly? I realized I’m not alone.
So in this post, I want to share why expense trackers don’t work for me, why they might still work for you, and the budgeting system that actually fits my lifestyle — plus a free budget tracker template you can try at the end of this article.
Let’s get into it. 💸
Why Expense Trackers Don’t Work for Me
1. They’re time-consuming.
Aminin natin — logging every single transaction takes a lot of effort. Especially if you still pay in cash.
Am I really expected to stop and type “₱15 pamasahe” every time I ride the jeep? 😅
Kung pwede lang sana i-scan yung air.
And if your day is packed, the last thing you want is another task na hindi mo naman maa-achieve daily.
2. It’s so easy to forget.
Expense tracking only works if you’re consistent… and let’s be real, life gets messy.
Work? Errands? Kids? Netflix? Mood swings? Suddenly, that “Day 1: Complete! Day 4: …Oops.” moment hits.
Before you know it, the tracker is blank again, and you’re like, “Okay, bukas ulit.” But bukas never comes. 😂
Why They Still Work for Some People
This part is important.
Expense trackers are amazing for certain personalities and phases of life. If you’re detail-oriented, love journaling, or you’re in that stage where gusto mo talagang malaman saan napupunta yung pera mo, then trackers can be super helpful.
They’re especially great for beginners who need awareness and visibility.
But once you already know your spending patterns? You might not need to log every peso just to stay financially aware. There are simpler methods that still keep you accountable — without the daily pressure.
What I Do Instead (And What Actually Works)
After trying and failing at traditional expense tracking, I shifted to something easier, more flexible, and realistic for my lifestyle.
1. Automate Your Finances
Right after payday, I set automatic transfers for savings and bills.
No thinking, no manual effort — money gets moved “before I can touch it.” 😂
This alone made a huge difference.
2. Weekly Money Check-In
Instead of tracking daily, I review everything once a week.
Mas mabilis, mas chill, and I can immediately see where I went overboard (food… always food 🍕).
3. Daily Spending Limit
I keep a ₱500/day spending limit.
If I go over today, I adjust tomorrow.
It’s simple, flexible, and it keeps me mindful without stressing me out.
4. Use App Insights
Most banking apps — like RCBC — automatically categorize your expenses.
Food, bills, groceries… it’s all there without you typing a single thing.
Perfect for lazy-but-still-responsible adults like me. 😅
Final Thoughts
Expense trackers don’t always work for me — and that’s okay. I’m still figuring things out little by little. Money management isn’t about perfection. It’s about awareness and consistency.
The best budgeting system is the one you can actually maintain.
If daily logging works for you, go for it! But if you’re like me and you’ve tried and failed, don’t feel bad. There are so many simpler ways to stay on top of your finances.
And if you still want to give tracking another shot, I made a free budget tracker template that you can try. It’s super easy to use — promise.
Happy budgeting, and remember: your financial journey is your own. 💸✨
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