Final answer:
Keep a detailed record of all expenses for a week by collecting receipts or noting expenditures, and then calculate total spending to track your financial footprint and assess the influence of marketing on your purchases.
Step-by-step explanation:
To track how much money you spend on various products and services, including those marketed by the "Merchants of Cool" as well as essential services like transportation, it is advised to keep a detailed record of all your expenditures. By collecting all receipts or noting down expenses for which you don't receive a receipt, you can compile a comprehensive account of your weekly spending habits. This activity is not only beneficial for personal budgeting and financial literacy but also helps you understand the marketing influence on your purchasing decisions.
For one week, jot down every expense, whether you get a physical receipt, put money in a vending machine, or make a note on your smartphone. At the end of the week, calculate the total amount spent on each category of goods or services to assess where your money is going. This will help you track your financial footprint and make more informed decisions about where to allocate your resources in the future.