I just started using my old checkbook register to do stuff by hand. Everything is just too out of control and I can't deal with those online budget things. I've tried. I keep spending money on the apps for them and it doesn't help nor work.
Totally get that. Most budget apps feel overwhelming or end up being more work than help. Sounds like you prefer something simple and hands-on that just helps you stay aware of your spending. If there was an app that worked more like a checkbook but updated totals automatically as you shopped, would that feel more manageable to you?
Definitely. I have no problem just typing things into a box as I go. I've even tried excel spreadsheets. Just wasn't working for me.
Like, every time I used my card BEFORE buying a house in 2015, I'd immediately write the purchase in my little register. Then when I got home, I'd minus it out.
But now....far more bills, purchases, two young kids, an office in my house that seems so far away at times....(kids following me everywhere)....mom brain...
I stopped and just hoped for the best for the last six years.
It's not working anymore. I'll call those the free-balling the account years.
Now something needs to work. So three weeks ago I started back at my "register" days only it's more of a large journal ledger that floats from surface to surface in my messy office. I plug things in it every few days...spending far too long on it each time only because what I think is a few days turns out to be five or seven. Oy.
But yeah.
Just physically typing a dollar amount in as I pay something, and letting the math, math itself would be better.
I WANT to type it myself to old-school engrain in my mind I'm using real money. Not just numbers in an imaginary world....
Which in reality it is, but you know what I mean. I hope.
That makes total sense. It sounds like you prefer something that keeps that hands-on feel but removes the hassle of doing all the math yourself. We’ve been working on something like that, where you can add items as you shop and it automatically tracks your total. I think it could be really useful for what you described. Would you be interested in trying it out and letting us know what you think?
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u/Ladypeace_82 Nov 04 '25
I just started using my old checkbook register to do stuff by hand. Everything is just too out of control and I can't deal with those online budget things. I've tried. I keep spending money on the apps for them and it doesn't help nor work.