7 Ways TRACKING YOUR SPENDING Improves Your Budget

Many in the Kate Kaden Community are tracking their spending for the month. Tracking my expenses personally changed my entire financial life so I want to share 7 ways tracking your spending will improve your budget. Let's TRACK AND SNACK! To make it more fun, I'm sharing a Crocktober crockpot recipe to snack while you TRACK!
This Week's Crocktober Recipe-
Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip:
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00:00 Tired of Paying and Praying?
01:04 7 Ways Tracking ROCKS!
01:18 Awareness
01:33 Budgeting
02:01 Identifying Waste
02:33 Goal Setting
02:58 Accountability
03:29 Stress Reduction
03:59 Improved Decision-Making
04:26 THE RULES
06:14 Spinach & Artichoke Dip Recipe
08:04 THE MOMENT OF TRUTH
09:59 Kaden The Judge
10:59 Click to NEXT VIDEO!

Tracking for almost 40 years. For years, I was told I was crazy to write down every single transaction and checking my change.

[@KateKaden]

THIS IS AWESOME!

[@barbgeorge8927]

Love this!

[@yessicadelossantos6742]

I started tracking 15 months ago, and that last year has given me an outrageous amount of control over the money I am making. I actually find it accomplishing and enjoy tracking ❤😂🎉

[@laureenchard4512]

Budgeting & tracking have cleared stress from my life and taught me to be wise with money . Been working on a $6000 Emergency Fund since April, so far I have almost $2600 , almost halfway there. Saving has opened my eyes to the amounts of money I had been wasting on stuff I didn't need. I'm going to make that dip, it looks delish!

[@kamloopscruiser874]

I began tracking right after my husband died in early March. It helps keep me calm- I see where everything goes. Knowledge is power. I paid off the car loan by the end of May and saved an extra 2K since then. Not from an insurance payout because we were retired and on a pension already. That 2K was from savings in monthly expenses over 6 months and the car loan 8K was from savings which I am building back up. I didn’t have to touch the emergency fund or the budget buffer- after binge watching you I made those a priority. I had started watching you shortly before he died. I knew things were going poorly and I would soon be alone. I love your morning money check in habit. That’s been the start of my day and I write everything in my spending journal whenever I get home. When I see the bank statement online I often have to check back what on earth an amount was for. I LOVE THAT SPENDING JOURNAL!

[@barbgeorge8927]

Hey there... my husband passed a year ago yesterday... am sending you good thoughts! I too have found KZbin to be such a help over these months. Love Kate's practical and fun style. Take care. You're awesome!

[@LorettaNance]

I never realized how much I spent on eating out. What an eye opener! Still eat out, just not near as much. I have been tracking my expenses for a few years. It really helps keep my spending in check.

[@deborahanthony3401]

Tracking is my habit for the past couple of years. You are right when you say it reduces stress! Just to know where you stand even if good or bad feels like control. Not waiting for that next big expense to jump out and hit you. At least you can see it coming and plan for it. And yes the little things do add up. Every dollar app! Makes it so easy. Thanks Kate. Your channel started me on this path.

[@silentnot4812]

I don’t always track my expenses, but I’ve cut back on spending over the years. My spending is basically the utilities, house, food, gas, and car/house maintenance. I do splurge on travel and clothes sometimes. I don’t usually waste money on coffee out or fast food or subscriptions. I have been tracking my net worth for 20 years. That has been the best thing to do. Suddenly Folgers is just as good as Starbucks when you see how eadily your invested money grows.

[@stephanieporter6836]

Fellow tracker here! I agree with you 💯% on the accountability factor. It’s so important to track your spending so you can see where your money is going. Love spinach and artichoke dip!

[@KateKaden]

Hi Stephanie!!!! My fellow tracker! THANK YOU!

[@nadeawilliams7749]

Definitely a snacker!! I do track my budget, single mom of one, low income!! God is good!

[@yessicadelossantos6742]

God bless you so much! I totally relate. Single mom of one too. I am enjoying my journey to financial freedom, and tracking helps a ton ❤😂🎉

[@pigletsbank437]

Hi happy frugal friday Kate, Kaden and K squad! 🌞

[@libbysworld7649]

Kaden is adorable! 🙂

[@annamuja1831]

This dip looks delicious. Thank you for sharing recipe. And thank you for video. Have a great day.

[@KateKaden]

You are very welcome! HAPPY FRUGAL FRIDAY ANNA!

[@annamuja1831]

Thank you Kate.

[@annmarie1758]

Wow that dip looks good!! I noticed that when I was saving for a down payment for my car I was good about tracking my spending. Since I got my car I haven't been as good. I think I need to have a goal!!

[@janicesims6574]

You are right on, Kate. I wish I had had your wisdom when I was your age. But the good news is that we can play "catch up". Especially when we listen to advice like you give.😊

[@KateKaden]

Thanks so much Janice!

[@ShowgirlMBruckner]

Oh boy, does this help! Thanks Kate!

[@miabernard3341]

I need to try that recipe Kate! Thank you for the tips!

[@KateKaden]

You are so welcome!

[@bethanyg153]

It’s a great thing to do. Sometimes we can find a great deal and think “this doesn’t count” but if you get hardcore about tracking you realize even those great deals can add up.

[@frugalfull]

So fun to see you share this delish-looking recipe, thank you ! 😀💝

[@KateKaden]

My pleasure 😊

[@yessicadelossantos6742]

Binge watching you, Kate. I began my financial change and journey to financial freedom last year. I am so glad I found this channel. It's perfect for me! ❤😂🎉 Love from the Dominican Republic.

[@KateKaden]

Thank you for the love! So glad you’re here!

[@yessicadelossantos6742]

@@KateKaden ❤️😍🥰

[@maryannrogers8675]

I track all my expenses on a free calendar from our towns utility department. On days I spend money that day is colored yellow. I think write the expense down in black marker. Example = gas $35. On days I spend no money that day is colored pink. I’m currently doing a low spend year (with the exception of travel) to pay off my mortgage early. I’m sending an extra payment towards principal only each month.

[@MariaGarcia-gj5ie]

I need a daily tracker. Those little expenses add up!

[@sandraboose3686]

Getting better at this. We have a 4 yr plan to be out of house debt. We have no credit card debt.paid cards off. Yeah! Tracking is important to our plan.

[@KateKaden]

SANDRA this is AWESOME!

[@JudithMcPheron-pb9lv]

Thanks Kate for all the good advice and the recipe. That's going to a potluck I have this month. Have a great weekend everyone. 🍁🍂🍁

[@KateKaden]

Hi Judith! LOVE IT!

[@pamelalyon3264]

You too

[@sophianachtigall3598]

I am usually not here for your cooking skills but this dip is chefs kiss

[@davidphillips4088]

❤❤ I have all the ingredients for the dip! Woohoo. Gonna try it this weekend!

[@KateKaden]

Hope you love it!

[@LMCEK]

Yum!❤ Since you asked if I'm a tracker, I will tell you the system that finally got my spending under control a few years ago. I don't track but I do have 2 chequing accounts. My main account is where my pay cheque gets deposited, and where my monthly bills get debited from that I don't auto pay on a credit card (ie. my mortgage etc). My second chequing account gets a set amount transferred to it automatically every pay day (ie. as a single person, $400 every 2 weeks) I spend on whatever I want within that $400 limit over the 2 weeks. This includes groceries, household items and entertainment (obviously I'm a home body LOL). Since I don't want to track different categories of spending, this lump sum approach to everyday spending works for me 😊

[@Lizbeth120]

I love the "track and snack" take on Crocktober! I've been tracking using every dollar for a while and it's been a game changer to meeting my financial goals. Highly recommend! The spinach dip looks so yummy, It's still been too warm here for hot savory foods most of the time but I'm def going to try this dip next time we have friends over.

[@sherribrink5664]

We have used the free version of the "Every Dollar" app every month for the last 8 years. We are both retired on a modest limited budget. Love knowing wing where every dollar is going. Great video.❤

[@anupamar426]

What a timely video for me. I just started an October to December tracking log just yesterday night to assess my spending habits. Im going to make the spinach recipe today and will serve with chips. Thank you. 💙🦋

[@KateKaden]

PERFECT!!!!

[@CAdrivergirl]

Thank u for ur motivated wonderful videos! ❤artichoke dip!

[@angelaholland1236]

Day 4 done. Unexpected expense my one expense. A friend called last minute and invited me to a concert. I had planned to stay home. I spent $14 on dinner. Well worth it. I'll adjust budget somewhere to compensate.

[@krystalkinney6603]

Thanks for sharing the recipe. We have a local food truck that puts spinach artichoke dip on grilled cheese sandwiches and it is amazing

[@pamelalyon3264]

Sounds really good

[@KateKaden]

YUMMM!!!!!!!!!!

[@Mrsmadison45]

We have tracked our spending for 50 years ❤ 🙌🇺🇸✝️

[@KateKaden]

🙌❤️

[@christinamacdonald4966]

I have 2 diaries. One for tracking my spending & one for my appointments etc.. I draw a big diagonal line through the days I don't spend. I add up my weekly total & play a game with myself trying to spend less than the week before. Love your videos & practical advice Kate ❤😊

[@LauraSpence-ul9lp]

You can get crock pot liners! Saves so much cleaning time! I used my crock pots with liners at Thanksgiving! I did turkey breat and sides in my smaller ones. I have 5 crock pots.

[@MsDoglover02]

Try a little of that dip on a cooked chicken breast and you'll have a new dinner! YUM!

[@KateKaden]

YUMMM! Love that idea!

[@joeriveracomedy]

So sending this recipe to my mom. We buy this stuff on the regular. Can't wait to try it.

[@kathymiglio8196]

I love dips!! I will make that. Love when you cook 😊

[@KateKaden]

Thanks so much Kathy!!!

[@catherineh2630]

Now I know what I need to try this weekend!! The spinach dip 😂 - I already track my expenses. But I will say I tend to drift a bit if I don’t stay on top of it every week. Great video, as usual!

[@KateKaden]

Thank you Catherine! Hope you love it!

[@cynthiajudkins2250]

I did very good yesterday @ Walmart, my budget was $100 and I only spent $75 and I got everything on my list

[@nikkibadzik3948]

Snacker not a tracker 😂. I know it's supposed to be the other way around! I'm getting there, I'm getting there. Thanks for the recipe, live that dip at restaurants. Happy frugal Friday, Kate!

[@KateKaden]

HAHAHA! Love this Nikki!

[@kathleenpayne1991]

Good morning. Happy frugal Friday. Haven't been on for a while . Miss you .

[@KateKaden]

MISSED YOU!!!!!!!!

[@jenniferspisak]

Keep it up Kate

[@KateKaden]

Jennifer! Thank you so much!!! I appreciate you!!!!

[@robertamazyck1861]

Happy frugal Friday, Love the video I'm going to take this 30 day challenge and see if I can get my daughter to do it with me... Your son is such a cutie pie 😊

[@KateKaden]

Thank you so so much! (Oh and I love seeing if your daughter wants to do it too!)

[@marep5597]

That dip looks so delicious. I’m hungry 🤤

[@KateKaden]

So good!

[@vzimmer1951]

I start tracking every month then I get side tracked. Hopefully I will make it to the end of the month this time. That dip is wonderful....one of our faves!

[@terryhenderson424]

We are skipping this month's challenge... This said, we are back to more accutely, purposeful spending for the rest of this month. - Since we got the old log splitter working in Sept and replaced a tail light broken for us in a parking lot at less cost than estimated/ feared. The 2024 Bigger Ticket Item log splitter slipped down the priority list, item #4 is still being gathered for but has more involvement than initially thought of, and a utility trailer drifted further into the forefront. Oct 1st to be exact, we bought a utility trailer thus removing a new log splitter from the foreseeable future, and we're calling it one of five 2024 Bigger Ticket Items. Oct 2nd, we licensed, titled, and tabbed the trailer. Oct 3rd, we bought a lock for said trailer, made our grocery fill-in lean, and began thinking of a few more things we WANT for the trailer. Im thinking that 2024's Bigger Ticket Item #4, now #5 will be a 2025 item. Meanwhile we're back to asking ourselves if an item can be put off before buying it for at least October. Now, November, the beginning of the holiday buying, the buying in general, et al will be a different story.

[@HangNguyen-ih8rf]

I started tracking my spending for 6 days and shockingly find out that i spent $590 on FOODs (grocery and take out)!!!!!! 🥵 2nd week i try to cut if off but it’s very very hard cuz this is a lifetime habits. Im 41, single mom of 1. All of my son meals come from the restaurant of his choice. He won’t eat anything from home. Pediatric suggested feeding therapy for him at 5 but i didn’t do it & now he’s 10.

[@brendaschindler1169]

That looked so easy to make. Its one of my favs. Gotta try it now Thanks

[@StrawberryFields-1]

I’m definitely making that dip!!! Omg you and Kaden are so cute 🥰

[@lylagray9669]

I needed this challenge!! I used to track really well and now that my hubby uses cash for certain things, I was not able to really track everything. I wish he was more on board with not spending the $2 or $5 for a small lunch or drink 😞

[@KateKaden]

Lyla! YASSS!

[@DawnBelliveau-bp4mu]

I just made spinach and artichoke dip last weekend when I had friends over. I had some leftover so I put it on baked potato with some steamed broccoli for dinner. So good!

[@KateKaden]

Yummm!!!

[@suebee1540]

Paused this to track the bills I paid today. Yay Kate. Yum.

[@KateKaden]

😍😍

[@joycegonzales4994]

I track in an old Microsoft money app, the good thing is I can bring up records, then I can compare other months or years.

[@carmenalabat8425]

Great tips I also enjoy how you incorporate a recipe good combo.🎉

[@MaryPonder]

I just started tracking. Goal is to pay off all debts. Love your info.

[@cynthiajudkins2250]

Yes I do both track and snack ❤

[@woman5918]

That’s my favourite dip with veggies, celery, carrots, cauliflower..mmmmm😊

[@jwoooooooo]

This is actually my second year tracking Although i dont track bills. Just variable spending. Things i can control 😊 🎉 I like puttig naan bread in the air fryer for the spinach dip Top notch lol

[@KateKaden]

YESSS!!!!!! Love Jwooo!

[@milda0820]

💖💖💖 Happy friday

[@KateKaden]

Same to you!

[@christinahilley]

I'm a newby tracker! Started a few months ago with the Dave Ramsey app, Every Dollar. Been eye opening!

[@KateKaden]

I use EveryDollar also!

[@NobodySpecial509]

I am not a ‘tracker’ by jotting down every purchase, there are not enough hours in my day… 😅 *However*, I leave a *bit* of “extra money” in our main account as my husband generally uses debit, then I pull cash from the bank and that’s what we have for the week for anything & everything (save a true emergency, which we have an EF for), so if we run out of cash, so be it. I also move $$ over for savings, bills, etc before we budget for the month. We don’t go “over budget” and it’s less stress on me.

[@LoK747]

❤❤❤

[@barbgeorge8927]

I've always 'kept track' but been much more diligent since i retired. I don't divide paper goods from groceries, but for myself alone it's a little less than $3.00/ day. That includes dog food as well ( make it from scratch). I am REALLY pleased by this. Have had some large (planned) expenses as well as some unexpected and still remained able to not dip into credit. Again, a WIN! Curious what others avg. per day ???

[@cleaneatingwithclaudiaepic4895]

Yummy Spinach & Artichoke dip

[@KateKaden]

So good! 😊

[@nancyelizabeth8364]

I am a tracker I write everything down on my visual budget everyday for 8 years now it’s a habit I cannot stop lol I wish I could stop snacking hehe

[@suzettecooper382]

Tracker and love snacks

[@KateKaden]

😍

[@RedLentilYellowLentil-g8y]

I think you could use it as a spread on a toasted sandwich- add sliced tomato maybe?

[@jeffreyplonka611]

Loved your reaction to the dip. It makes me want to try this recipe right this very second. You made it look beyond yummy 😋 Crocktober Rules. Just wondering what was on your T-shirt? I saw "Not Fast" but I couldn't see the rest of it. It looked cute.

[@KateKaden]

No fast…not furious🤣

[@niki9638]

Tracker!

[@KateKaden]

YASS Niki!

[@fredswartley9778]

Tracking my expenses helps me make realistic income goals each month. I know how much I need to make to save money and reach my goals. Tracking also helps me see how much I saved each month and if I'm living below my means.

[@kaitlinobrien243]

Amen 🙏❤❤❤

[@zelmawills8606]

I also track have done for years But it just accord to me when writing what I just spent say $20 And now have $280 for the rest of the month I always add up when the month over and then see my tracking but hay lv gone over with this high cost of living Just added a note to the budget Just going to this on the food Hopefully get on top of it Single person but got a good stock pile

[@fransousa7828]

I'm tracking 😊😊😊😊😊

[@meredithdarling]

11: 11 minutes long 😇😇😇

[@KateKaden]

Love that

[@peggyfarrell7623]

I wasn’t tracking my sinking funds, not sure why, but I am now and now i don’t want to spend my money. 😂😂 Day 4 and going strong.

[@KateKaden]

Love this Peggy!!!! Proud of you!

[@shelbygreen8888]

Hi Kate I’m Changing already keep going 😮😊❤

[@KateKaden]

Yesss Shelby!!!!!! We shall keep going!!!!

[@grannyprepper1181]

Tracking is important.

[@raulramirez6155]

Kate, you need to copyright that phrase. "Tracking and snacking! "😊

[@KateKaden]

Thank you!!!

[@shirleyjones6081]

I still have not acquired a taste for artichokes.

[@frugalsweetlife3427]

:)

[@jennifermaceachern2155]

And get cracking 🎉

[@KateKaden]

HAHAHAHA! I love this addition!!!!!

[@christiS907]

Do yall track even your pocket cash ?

[@KateKaden]

Yeah, I track it all❤️

[@pamelalyon3264]

Tracker, not much of a snacker