When it comes to stress, there's nothing quite like finances to get the nerves jangling between husband and wife. Whether you've got too little, spend too much, or you end up in a spat with your partner every time it comes up, money can ratchet up the tension. If your solution to your financial stress is to take a long, hot soak to drown out those pesky calls from creditors, or go on a budget-busting online shopping trip, you may need to think again on your approach. Before you leave the house think about the route you will be taking so you can use short cuts, avoid traffic jams and do important things along the way (like pay the bills, etc.). It saves gas and time. Check your user's manual for the car's necessary maintenance. Regular tune ups and oil changes will help prevent costly damages to your car in the future. In this way you will keep track of your spending and think twice next time on purchasing on an impulse. To those who think you know where your money goes without detailed records, keeping track of every cent you spend for one month will tell you otherwise. You will be surprised by how much some of what you think are small expenditures add up to. It is difficult for people to track their spending and whether it is wise or not because they cannot decifer between needs and wants. This is one of the biggest hindrance towards putting into practice good personal finance budgeting. You may need things in life including food, water, shelter and clothing. You simply dial into the bank's computer or use web-based banking services, and download the checks that have cleared your account, directly into your personal finance software. Then you indicate an expense category for each check. You can do a basic comparison of budget versus actual expenses by category, or you can enter more detailed information such as investments, assets, liabilities, and print personal financial statements showing your net income and net worth. You have received phone calls or letters about delinquent bill payments. Your credit cards are no longer used for the sake of convenience, but because you don't have money. You are hiding the true cost of your purchases from your spouse. The amount of debt left unpaid increases overtime due to interest rates.