Frugal living isn’t about deprivation or scraping by. It’s about being intentional with every dollar that comes into your household and making it work in the smartest, most efficient way possible. That level of control and clarity doesn’t happen by accident. It begins with something deceptively simple: a spending log. While it may sound like just another tedious financial tool, an expenditure log is in fact the foundation of smart money management. When used correctly, it can transform not only your budget but also your habits, mindset, and long-term financial outlook.