💡 Track Every Cent For the First 3 Months of Your Job

 Awareness is the First Step to Freedom

You’ve just stepped into your first job, and the first few paydays feel like life just started making sense. You’re earning your own money. You're tapping your card with confidence. You’re adulting!

But here's the plot twist: money disappears faster than gossip in a group chat if you’re not watching it.

So here’s the real tea:

For the first three months of your job, track every cent. Like every. single. one.

Why? Because awareness = control.

And control = FREEDOM.

 🧠 Why Tracking Your Spending Isn’t “Extra” — It’s Essential

Let’s be honest — when you're new to earning, it's easy to underestimate just how fast that money disappears. One Uber here, one takeout there, one “this was on sale!” moment... and boom — debit order hits and you’re down bad 😩.

But if you track your spending, you’ll start seeing where your money actually goes. Spoiler alert: It’s not always where you think.

 🛠️ What to Track (Yes, Even That R8.99 Bottle of Water)

 Rideshare & transport

 Food (Uber Eats, daily snacks, groceries)

 Personal care (hair, skincare, nails)

 Fun (Netflix, data, nights out, FOMO spending)

 Giving (blessings, family support, church)

 Savings (even if it’s just R20)

 Randoms (those "small" things that add up)

Every swipe counts. Especially in the beginning. Because the goal isn’t to restrict — it’s to become aware.

 📱 Use Tech to Help You Track

We’re not doing pen and paper stress here (unless you're that girl or guy— no judgement 😅).

Try these:

 22seven – SAbased app that links to your bank account & categorizes your spending

 Spendee – great for budgeting by goals

 Excel or Google Sheets – if you like control and pretty charts

 iPhone Notes or WhatsApp to Yourself – underrated gems for quick entries

Even a daily screenshot of your balance is a start.

 🔄 The 90Day Clarity Rule

Doing this consistently for your first three months on the job gives you:

 A real picture of your lifestyle

 Power to plan better

 Confidence when saying “I can’t afford that right now”

 A budget that actually reflects your life, not TikTok’s highlight reel

Tracking your money doesn’t make you broke — it makes you wise.

 💭 Final Word

Freedom isn’t just about having money — it’s about knowing where your money goes.

Tracking your spending is like checking your mirrors while driving: it keeps you safe, smart, and in control.

And in case no one told you: you can still live soft, look good, and budget like a boss.

Luxury and discipline are not enemies — they’re actually besties in disguise 😎

Let me know if you'd like a visual for this one too! I’m picturing a youth in a coffee shop, checking their banking app, journaling their expenses…

Shall I make it?