MoneySize Playbook

Practical reminders for maintaining control over everyday financial decisions.

  1. Not knowing where your money goes is giving up control in your life, often leading to unnecessary interest and debt. Regain control through budgeting and tracking expenses.
  2. Treat your health as an important investment. Proactive care reduces the risk of serious complications and long-term financial strain.
  3. Keep a close eye on subscriptions. Auto-renew is convenient but if you do not get value in the period you purchased them then it needs to be cut immediately. Make sure your subscriptions earn their expense.
  4. Late fees, banking overdrafts, parking tickets, and speeding tickets are life's waste of money. Remember the effort it takes to get that money and avoid these. Automate your accounts, autopay bills, and drive safely.
  5. Credit card debt is a waste of money. If you live with one then you are living beyond your means. And every credit card purchase you made or continue to buy anew costs more than whatever price you paid at the store. You are also making banks, credit card companies, and those that benefit from reward points happy.
  6. Cars are the second largest expense after a house. Think about it, carefully. How much time do you honestly spend in your vehicle, is it worth the amount you are paying in its price tag, during its loan term in interest, car insurance, repairs, and maintenance. Cars are convenient and can be useful but think on the price versus the value you get out of it.
  7. If you are lucky enough to receive unexpected money then pause before you act. Whether its a bonus, a tax refund, side income, inheritance, lottery winnings, gambling successfully all will feel great but it is incredibly easy to spend it wastefully just as fast. Remember your long-term goals, your hopes and dreams first, then spend or invest it wisely.
  8. Controlling your fixed costs while working to increase your income is resilience and growth. If you get a raise and decide that means you can pay a loan for a new car then the raise effectively disappeared with no lasting benefit.
  9. Sales, limited-time deals, your neighbors new purchases, how your favorite influencer lives - these always bring a sense of urgency and marketing pressure to your life. Slow down, do your research, check your budget - is your future intact? - then decide. There is always another sale, most items will still be available tomorrow.
  10. Emergency funds are a necessary evil because life includes risk. Manage that risk or you risk becoming a sad statistic. Set aside a little, slow and steady, in a high yield savings account.