Alright so last December I was scrolling through Twitter late one night when this astro page pops up screaming “Boosting Your Finances In 2023!” specifically for Virgos. Normally I’d scroll right past, but hey – January bills were breathing down my neck. Figured, why not? Worst case, it’s just notebook scribbles.
The Prep Work & The Plan
First thing that Sunday morning, I grabbed an old notebook – the kind I used for grocery lists back in 2021. Flipped to a clean page and scrolled back to find the advice.
Here’s what they said needed tackling:
- Track Every Penny: Like actually writing down coffees and bus fares. Paper only, no apps.
- Declutter Your Space: Especially junk drawers and that closet stuffed with old clothes. Sell what you can.
- No Impulse Buys: For at least a week, then only careful planning after.
- Talk Money With Someone: Partner, roommate, sibling… anyone actually around your wallet.
My Actual January (The Messy Bits)
Started strong on the 2nd. Carried that notebook EVERYWHERE. Seriously, felt like a detective. Wrote down:
- $2.50 for instant coffee (why?? my machine works fine)
- $8 lunch because I forgot my sandwich
- $29.99 for streaming I never use
By Friday, that notebook looked messy as my kitchen junk drawer. Which was next. Spent Saturday dumping it all out on the living room floor. Found old gift cards with $5 total. Sold two coats on a used-clothing site for $35 cash. Score, sort of.
The “no impulse buys” week nearly broke me. Wednesday my favorite chips were on sale. My hand hovered… put them back. Felt weirdly powerful after. But Sunday, I planned the grocery trip like a military op – list made, stuck to it. Saved like $17? Better than nothing.
Talking money… this got loud. My partner thinks astrology is “cute nonsense.” Tried explaining Virgo’s need for practical systems. We ended up arguing about lattes instead. Lesson learned: Maybe pick your timing better.
End of the Month Check-In
Sat down last week. Total extra cash from decluttering? $40 (coats + gift cards). Saved about $55 total from tracking/cutting obvious leaks. That nagging streaming charge is gone. Not exactly “rich now” territory, but…
Unexpected win? Tracking made me WAY more aware. Seeing $2.50 coffee six times in a week hurt. The notebook isn’t glamorous, but it works. Virgo “practical detail” energy felt real with pen and paper. Less chaotic noise, more control.
Going into February keeping the tracker, adding a “why did I buy this?” note sometimes. Maybe the stars knew something about my messy wallet habits after all. Worth the weird looks from my coffee shop buddies while scribbling.
