Mastering Cash Flow: Tracking Spending to Boost Savings and 10+ Ways to Spend Less

#133: Chris does a deep dive on tracking your spending, covering why to do it in the first place, as well as top apps/services, setting up budgets, managing recurring expenses, picking categories and more. He also shares practical tips and tricks to save money across 20+ different categories of spend (without having to make big sacrifices).

Partner Deals

DeleteMe: 20% off removing your personal info from the web

Fabric: Affordable term life insurance for you and your family

Vuori: 20% off the most comfortable performance apparel I've ever worn

Mint Mobile: $15/mo for unlimited wireless on the nation's largest 5G network

Gelt: Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth

Copilot: Free 2 months access to my favorite personal finance app with code HACKS2

For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals

Resources Mentioned

ATH Episodes:

Tools to Track Your Spending:

Copilot: Free 2 months access to my favorite personal finance app with code HACKS2
Mint
Rocket Money
Tiller HQ
YNAB: 34 day free trial
Simplifi
Monarch Money

Bilt Mastercard®: Earn Bilt Points on Rent

Pacaso: Free early access to listings and $2,500+ in closing credits

Mint Mobile: $15/mo for unlimited wireless on the nation's largest 5G network

Daffy: Free $25 to give to the charity of your choice

Henson: Plastic-Free, Precision-Built Razors + $100 free Blades

Paprika Recipe Manager: Organize your recipes, make meal plans, and create grocery lists

Green Chef: 50% off + free shipping for healthy and delicious meal kits

DoorDash: 50% off a convenience, grocery or retail store order with code ALLTHEHACKS

inKind: Get $25 off to dine at top restaurants

Cashback Monitor: Rebates & Mileage/Points Reward Comparison for Online Shopping

CamelCamelCamel: Free Amazon Price Tracker

Keepa: Amazon Price Charts (not sure why I called this Wistia)

Library Extension: Free eBooks from your local library

CardPointers: 30% off the app that helps you earn more cash back, points, and miles

Expenses Category Breakdown:

Household
- Home Loans
- Insurance
- Dog
- Home
- Bills & Expenses
- Utilities
- Property Taxes
Car & Transport
- Car
- Transportation
Children
- Childcare
- Children
- Education
Food & Drink
- Groceries
- Dining & Drinks
Gifts & Donations
- Donations
- Gifts
Shopping
- Shops
- Clothing
Health & Welness
- Healthcare
- Fitness
- Personal Care
Lifestyle
- Travel
- Subscriptions
- Entertainment
- Personal
Fees
Other
Excluded
- Credit Card Payments
- Work Expenses

Email for questions, tips, deals, feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com

Full Show Notes

(02:13) Budgeting & Tracking Cash Flow

(06:24) Tools to Monitor Your Spending

(09:00) Free Tools to Track Your Spending

(17:00) Paid Tools on Android to Track Your Spending

(18:00) Review of Simplifi

(20:07) Review of YNAB

(23:36) Review of Copilot

(24:12) Categorizing Your Spending

(29:58) Hidden Expenses Categories

(31:55) Carryover Budgets

(33:19) Setting Up Recurring Expenses

(34:55) Copilot Intelligence

(35:50) Solving Cash Flow

(39:08) Refunds

(43:45) Benefits of Budgeting

(48:03) Ways to Save Money on Household Items

(53:50) Saving on Utilities

(56:10) Savings Related to Children

(57:27) Saving on Health & Fitness

(58:39) Saving Money on Personal Care

(1:00:29) Tricks to Save Money on Entertainment

(1:02:19) Saving on Food & Drink

(1:05:14) Coupons, Price Trackers & Other Tips to Save

(1:06:57) Gifting & Donating

Connect with Chris

Newsletter | Membership | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn

Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.