Finances in my Head

What tips do YOU have based on your own financial successes and failures? {Stay tuned to the end of this post for information on how to win a $500 spa day from Manilla.} *The failures* Finances don’t come naturally to me. I don’t like to write things down or keep files or records. For the most part, everything lives in my head. Not a great financial plan. The accountant that does my taxes isn’t impressed with recollections and the State of Texas Comptroller’s office doesn’t accept “That is how I remember it” as a suitable answer.   It has gotten me into a few jams personally, but has been a more difficult journey for running a small business. No one tells you how many details there are for keeping up with finances for a small business.   There weren’t any classes in college that spelled it out.   It is a maze that I have braved for better or worse. I have slowly learned the hard way that spreadsheets may look scary, but are my friend. A slightly creepy friend that I sit uncomfortably next to and engage in stilted conversation. Keeping track of things in an organized manner has made a big difference.   Being able to find the information and SHARE it with someone in a format they understand is a good thing. *The success* I have something that I have done right from the beginning. I got my first credit card in college. I vowed to pay off the balance on a monthly basis…to never spend more than I have. And I have for the subsequent 23 years. Some weeks, months and years have been easier than others, but I believe I sleep better at night sans credit card debt. Share YOUR financial success and failure tips in the conversation box below. What tips can you share from your own financial successes and failures? Manilla wants to know and is giving away a Spa Day worth $500to one lucky person that tries their household account management site this month! Get control of your finances and relax knowing all your bills and statements are organized in one secure online place! It’s simpler and free! This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Manilla. The opinions and text are all mine. Contest runs July 14-31, 2011. Winner must be signed up with Manilla to win. A random winner will be selected by August 5, 2011. Official Contest Rules .