If Your Checkbook Could Talk

If your checkbook or credit cards or debit cards could talk, what would they say about you? You can tell a lot about someone just by reviewing their spending habits. The things that are important to you really begin to stand out over a period of time.

Would a review of your accounts reveal a gambling problem? Health problems? Debt problems? Maybe we’d see that entertainment holds a big place in your life with cable bills, cell phone bills, and new big screen televisions. Perhaps it would reveal a taste for the finer things in life like good wines and fine dining.

On the other end of the spectrum, maybe it would reveal a frugal life with visits to Goodwill and Aldi. Maybe there would be a lot of support to your local church and favorite charities. Perhaps you would show a large percentage going toward college for your children and a nice retirement for yourself. High on your list could be family activities and vacations with the family.

Whatever your past spending says about you, it’s only a part of the story. The ending isn’t written yet. What would you like your story to be? The best place to take control of your story is with a budget, or a spending plan. Define what you want your story to be, and then live it.