Addicted to money

[KennySoward]

I'm the same way, but I'm more addicted to my budget. I have a complex spreadsheet I use for tracking my budget complete with graphs (even one for my spending ceiling analysis).

So, I guess I am addicted to controlling money, but more in the sense of I want to see what I can reasonably afford (for fun) on a yearly basis...and I also like to compare my energy bills from the previous years and predicting what they might be the following year when I implement saving tips.

I'm not a scrooge by any means, but I just find it interesting.

[khosta]

Depending on what bank you use and if you have an up-to-date phone you can get alerts to your phone when your close to overdrafting. I use Bank of America and I know they have a program like that! I haven't set it up, but it may something you could look in to!

[NolaP]

Definitely check and see if your bank will warn you about overdrafts and maybe that will lessen your anxiety. Bottom line is that if you feel like you are obsessing over it you probably are. Take up walking for sure, maybe some yoga or meditation and learn to relax. And if you can set aside as much as $5 or $10 as week for a buffer, that's at least a start. Good luck to you!

[seen]

I'm the same way, but I'm more addicted to my budget. I have a complex spreadsheet I use for tracking my budget complete with graphs (even one for my spending ceiling analysis).

That was an excellent idea, I've started one now also

[littleroc02us]

I look at my checking account almost daily just to make sure there are no errors. I also rebalance my Excel Budget spreadsheet every day and make changes to future budgets when new information arises or there are unexpected bills or incomes to apply. To me it's like running an efficient and organized business.

[KennySoward]

Seen. Good to hear. I'm not even a miser with my money (not too much anyway) but I really like to see the numbers and how each month flushes out. It is like a game to me.

[Naz56]

I used to check my bank account every day and make a budget right away after payday but not anymore. I'm a little more chill now that I'm living frugal.

[MonkeyMama]

Thankfully I don't have to check my balances every single day to be efficient. A few times a month is more than sufficient.

I don't identify with the OP's addiction, BUT, I do really enjoy numbers. This is why I am an accountant and I really enjoy hanging around a forum like this. I can talk/think about numbers all day. Thankfully, I have many other outlets besides my own bank accounts and savings goals.

[catatonico]

*Quietly raises hand* I admit... I'm guilty of checking my bank account, 401k, and HSA balances (and usually my son's school meal account balance) several times a day M-F. I'm not really sure why I do, though... its not like they change on an hourly basis. I guess its because I'm finally seeing a little progress in our financial situation, so I like to look at it and smile a little (in the case of my son's meal account, I enjoy seeing what he ate at school, too).

On the other hand... I think I'm becoming addicted to money. I've gotten to where I enjoy watching my account balances slowing increase that now, on Friday (payday for me), I have to literally force myself to pay our bills. I just don't like seeing ANY of that money go away. I want to be able to keep all of it. There are times that my husband (who is NOT the best with money) actually has to call me at work to remind me to pay the bills (maybe I should start delegating that to him a little bit).

Don't get me wrong... its a great feeling knowing that the money is there to pay the bills, plus I'm working on our savings account weekly, and that's growing... but I just hate watching my bill-pay account lose money. I think that I may have gone a little overboard....

[snafu]

I find it efficient to designate 'desk day' twice a month, pay bills, check balances @ bank, brokerage, retirement a/cs etc. when I 1st boot 'puter. Since following this site, we've been giving ourselves an 'allowance' for incidental/personal expenses...when the money's gone, so is spending until the next payday. Funnily, we both have money leftover, I think those double doubles I used to buy make a big difference cumulatively.

[canada94]

Life is too short im afraid to be checking my account several times a day, it all comes down to discipline at the end of the day.

[97guns]

i love my money so much that i dont keep it in the bank, if i want to count it all i have to do is turn my head 20 degrees.

[jerrycates]

Just try to keep saving as much or even little as you can. Every cent counts and it is considered saved and can help in the long run as well.

[Frugal]

After my economics professor in college taught me that he checked his accounts daily, and caught many mistakes this way, I check mine at least once daily. Maybe did the original poster think they aren't addicted to money, simply interested in finances? Some people actually enjoy managing money, and make a career of it. However, I think checking it more than once a day might be a bit too much, unless you are expecting a bunch of bills to deduct out of it, or for some other pressing reason. It surely can't change that much in the space of a day!

[walker.kenny]

That’s sounds like an obsession! You need help!