Ask someone where their money went last month and watch them guess. “Food? Stuff? I don't really know.”

That not-knowing is the problem. You can't fix what you can't see. Most people don't overspend because they're reckless — they overspend because money leaves invisibly: subscriptions, $7 coffees, the app store, “treat yourself” Fridays. None of it feels like a decision. All of it adds up.

The fix isn't a strict budget. It's awareness. When you can see your money, you naturally make better calls — no willpower required. People who simply track their spending tend to spend less without even trying. Seeing is the intervention.

You don't need a fancy app. A notes file works. The point is to make the invisible visible.

This week: write down every dollar you spend for 7 days. Don't judge it, don't change it — just see it. The surprise you feel is the most useful thing money can teach you.

— Kevin