“Where did my money actually go?”
You start with the best intentions.
You get paid.
You plan to be careful.
And then somehow… there’s more month left than there is money.
If that sounds familiar, I want to share something simple that can genuinely help.
I’ve created a Monthly Money Map — a practical, easy-to-use spending plan template designed to show you exactly where your money is going.
Here’s how it works:
Every time you receive income — whether it’s your salary, a side hustle payment, dividends, or anything else — you simply add it to the income column.
Then as you spend throughout the month (yes, even the $6 coffee and the $18 lunch), you pop those amounts into the relevant categories:
- Transport
- Insurances
- Home
- Family
- Savings goals
- Pets
- Personal expenses
- Entertainment
- Food
- Debt
- Subscriptions
- Giving
- Wellbeing
The magic happens because the spreadsheet automatically:
• Shows you how much you’ve spent in each category
• Highlights whether you’re in surplus or deficit
• Gives you a clear monthly breakdown
• Provides a yearly overview with visual charts so you can instantly see where your money is going
For example, if you pay your annual house insurance, it will stand out straight away. Over time, as other expenses are added, you’ll see the true balance of your spending across the year.
It’s interactive.
It’s clear.
And it’s only as powerful as the information you put into it.
The goal isn’t restriction — it’s awareness.
Because when you can see your numbers clearly, you can make better decisions confidently.
If you’d like to get your hands on the Monthly Money Map, you can download it for free for the month of February.
And one more thing…
If you know someone who often says:
“I don’t know where my money goes”
or
“I need to get better at budgeting”
Would you mind forwarding this email to them?
Sometimes the biggest help we can give someone is simply pointing them toward a practical tool that makes things clearer.
Let’s make February the month we get intentional about our money.
To clarity and confidence,
Kara Northcott
P.S. If you download it and start using it, I’d love to hear what insights you discover about your own spending habits.
Financial Educator & Facilitator
Helping everyday people feel confident and in control of their money
027 666 6784
📩 kara@financialconsultant.co.nz
🌐 kara-northcott-financial-consultant.kit.com
