Level 2 — Budgeting Skills · 5 min

Finding Where Money Leaks

The forensic 15 minutes that finds $50-$200 in most months.

Leaks hide in four places: subscriptions nobody cancelled, food bought and thrown away, small frequent purchases that never total themselves, and autopays for services that quietly raised prices. None feel like decisions, which is why they survive.

The audit: one statement, one highlighter, three questions. Did I know this charge existed? Did I use the thing? Would I sign up again today at this price? Anything failing two questions is a leak.

Plug leaks with structure, not vows: cancel and calendar the re-decision, move problem categories to cash or a capped card, and set an annual raid day for fixed costs (insurance, internet, phone). Willpower is for emergencies; systems are for Tuesdays.