It all adds up to being smart

Some people enjoy counting their cash or listing their expenses. Others don't. There are many ways to track your money. Find the one that you are most comfortable with.

Traditional: you can carry a notebook and write down whatever you spend. Back home, you add it up. This is also good for practising your maths skills.

Accountant: you can ask for receipts for every single dollar spent. Then you compile your expenses on a spreadsheet. All your expenses are tracked, and you practise being super-organised.

Hi-tech: you can use your mobile phone to record your expenses and consolidate your net worth. Your tracking is always up to date, and you save paper.

Digital: you can use Excel spreadsheets on your computer to add up expenses, income and savings. This is a quick way to update your financial situation, and you also practise your computer skills.

Professional: you can use personal finance software to input your bank account, spending and investments. You can even show your parents and friends how to use the software.

Maths-averse: you don't like numbers at all? Put HK$100 cash in different envelopes (one for each type of expense). At the end of the month, check how much is left. You practise subtraction once a month.

Whatever method you choose, you will be a pro when you grow up!