If you have read this blog for more than 10 minutes you know that I am pretty anal when it comes to my finances. No, that's not strong enough. What is beyond anal? Hmmm....got it. The large intestine. I am entering a new phrase into the English vernacular. I am large intestinal about my finances.

We learned back in March of '07 after the student loans were paid off that 4 years of college cost $148,671.84.

Want to know how much I have spent on fuel since 2001: $9,355.99

Or travel since graduating college (2005): $7,040.60

Or movies in 2007: $266.60

Have I proved that I am large intestinal?

But as precise as I get, I still have those months where I say, "Holy crap I spent too much money. How did this happen?"

Enter November.

I typically spend between $700-$900 a month on non-bill expenditures. This includes going out to eat, travel, fuel, movies, groceries, etc...

Now I knew November was going to be higher than normal because I spent one weekend in Chicago (figured it would push to the $900 range) and then Mom and Cassie came into town (figured it would push to the $1100 range).

Needless to say, after I entered all my receipts and realized I spent $1360.32 - I was a bit surprised.

Now as anal large intestinal about finances as I am, I don't really like budgets. This comes as a shock to most. But I find them too claustrophobic. I'd rather deal with "spendable income per day or month."

Now I do a pretty good job of keeping this in my head and controlling spending. But not in November. So what am I to do to make sure I stay within my present budget range? Duh...what everybody does right, build an iPhone app?

I enter the date my credit card bill recycles (January 3, 2009).

I enter the amount I want budgeted for the month ($700.00).

Then I enter my transactions - and it automatically figures out "where I am" in the month.

And I have it anywhere I take my phone.

So even though it is December - which means Christmas presents (done!) - I can stay on track to not have another November.

But this post isn't about my large intestinal habits that I should probably see a psychiatrist about. Nor is it about my nerdiness. Here's my question to all you 20-somethings (and probably beyond) out there: how do you keep your finances in check? Do you set a budget? Do you keep stuff in Quicken or Mint? Or do you just play it by ear and hope it turns out?

It amazes me how quickly money can go if I am not on top of things. And I am guessing we are all in the same boat on that one. Making sure your finances are in check is one of the best things you can do for yourself, your future, your marriage (or future marriage) and your family (or future family). Get in the habit now of spending and saving correctly - it will pay off in the long run.