Make tracking part of a routine you already do. The best time is right after a purchase, or in a short daily check-in.
Use categories that are easy to decide on in the moment. Too many categories creates friction. Fewer categories means better consistency.
Keep your focus on trends, not perfection. The goal is to understand patterns, not to record every cent with 100 percent accuracy.
Finally, celebrate small wins. When tracking becomes a positive feedback loop, it sticks.