Pop quiz: How much is your monthly take-home pay? A lot of people can’t answer that question off the top of their heads.

So today, here’s what I want you to do:

• Record your income (after taxes) in your EveryDollar budget. If you’re not sure how much you’re going to earn this month, look at your bank statement to see how much you made last month and use that number for this month’s budget.
• If you’re married or working multiple jobs, make sure to include those income sources too. This isn’t complicated math, so you can check it off the list quickly!

Why are we doing this?

Because your income is your number one wealth-building tool—and you want to tell your money where to go instead of wondering where it went.

One way to get extra money is to work more hours, but that’s not what the 14-Day Money Finder is about! It’s all about finding margin (extra breathing room in your budget) by making the most of the income you already have. So we need to be super clear on how much money we’re working with.

Okay, I know Day 2 was easy for you, but stay with me! Today’s task will help you be ready for tomorrow, when we’re talking about one of the biggest budget-busters and how to find money in that category (I always struggle with this one). Can you guess what it is? Check back in tomorrow to find out!