HOW to do a 90-day transaction inventory

04/14/25 - Monday

April 14, 2025

Hi friends!

Some months, I (Goldie) stare at my credit card statement, convinced there’s been fraud. “This cannot be the total. There must be a fraudulent charge somewhere.”

I start mentally preparing to call the bank, only to review the statement and… oh. These are all just me. Only me and my purchases. Again.

If that sounds familiar, here’s a challenge this week:

Sit down and review the last 90 days of your spending. 

You may already know this, but most traditional budgets fail before they even start. Not because of bad math, but because they’re built on delusional spending instead of habits.

The numbers look good on paper, but when life happens? That budget doesn’t stand a chance, girl. 

A 90-day Transaction Inventory (90DTI) is hands-down the best way to create a spending plan that is realistic.

You’ll also naturally find ways to save money. Pay attention to your spending habits—do you tend to grab a coffee on the way to work, pick something up on your way home, or make multiple grocery runs each week?

Yes, it’ll take some effort. Yes, it might be a little uncomfortable, but this way is THE one that fits real spending habits, not just best intentions.

ℹ️ Here’s how to do it:

  1. Follow our Insta @weeklymoneymove where we explain how to do a 90DTI.

  2. Download transactions from the past 90 days. Yes, all of them! Bank accounts, credit cards, everything.

  3. Upload them into a spreadsheet (or a budgeting app).

  4. Sort them into major spending categories: groceries, dining out, subscriptions, etc.

  5. Review your spending in those categories then use those numbers to build a plan that reflects your habits (not wishful thinking).

You’re always creating new spending habits—whether they’re intentional or situational is up to you. That’s why doing a 90DTI at least once a year helps you stay on top of them. If that sounds overwhelming, our book Buy What You Love Without Going Broke breaks it all down in-depth so check it out.

⚡️ We drop a new money move every Monday! Keep an eye on your inbox so you don’t miss it.

This week’s Sunday Reset is about being sustainable and frugal. When should you spend more and when is it okay not to? Watch it on YouTube!

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What’s the category that always surprises you when doing an inventory?

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Spending is a skill and you can learn to master it. If you’ve ever struggled with being unable to stick to a budget or felt guilty about spending on something you enjoy, Jen and Jill’s debut book is going to be your next favorite read.

Toodles 👋🏻
Goldie

⭐️⭐️ P.S. Want to share all this goodness with your friends AND earn cool Frugal Friends merch?

**Means this is a sponsored or affiliate section. We may earn a small fee or commission when you choose to try one of our sponsor or affiliate partners. But opinions are still 1000% our own.