Making expense tracking your 2026 resolution? Here's how to make it stick — unlike those gym memberships you forgot about by February.
Why Most Budget Resolutions Fail
- Too ambitious ("I'll track everything and save 50%!")
- Too complex ("I'll use this app with 100 features")
- No immediate feedback (results take time)
- All-or-nothing thinking (one missed day = give up)
The Simple 2026 Resolution
Just track. That's it.
Don't set a budget yet. Don't commit to saving X%. Just track every expense for January. That's the resolution.
Month-by-Month Plan
January: Track Everything
- Download Pocket Clear
- Log every expense
- No judgment, just data
February: Review & Learn
- Look at January data
- Identify top 3 spending categories
- Notice any surprises
March: Set One Limit
- Pick your biggest problem category
- Set a reasonable limit
- Track against it
April-December: Expand Gradually
- Add more limits as you're ready
- Start building savings
- Adjust based on results
Tips to Make It Stick
- Home screen: Put the app on your phone's home screen
- Immediately: Log right after purchase
- Weekly review: 10 minutes every Sunday
- Forgive yourself: Missed an expense? Add it later. It's fine.
Don't Do This
- ❌ Start with a complex app
- ❌ Set strict budgets before you know your spending
- ❌ Give up after one missed day
- ❌ Try to track back-expenses from last year
Start Right Now
Don't wait for January 1st. Download the app now and log your next expense. The best time to start is today.
Make 2026 Different
Simple tracking. Start today.