The idea of putting on paper either your existing financial situation, or your desired future, can be fearful; yet this is the only way you can properly plan. It is not enough to “guestimate” the expenses. You must know exactly what you are spending each month in order to do any future planning as well as to be able to make informed decisions about your current financial situation. The exercise of gathering this information is not to judge the spending; rather it is simply research required to help you become more informed and more in control.

How?  Start with gathering the receipts of existing expenses; then write them down; then categorize them; then consider what you would like to ideally have for each of your categories; then analyze “the current” versus “the desired” and start to make some decisions.  You will likely modify the current, postpone some items and explore options to realize the idea. Take small steps in the direction you want to go, find others who have what you are considering, and keep moving in a forward direction. Enjoy today and the process along the way.