Two Easy Budget Tips that will Save you Money
Let’s face it, who doesn’t want more money?
But how?
You can get a new job that pays more, start a side hustle, or get better at budgeting the money you already have. How can you keep more of the green stuff? These two tips will show you how.
#1: Plan ahead. Without planning, you’re at the mercy of momentary convenience as well as fatigue. Being tired and hurried, a quick stop at 7-Eleven, RaceTrac, QuikTrip or Buc-ees can become the best momentary option. A zip through the drive-thru or call for take-out is also more appealing than grocery shopping and cooking without prior planning.
Stop and add up how much you spend due to lack of planning. Whether it’s going out to eat for lunch everyday, calling for take-out instead of cooking dinner, or buying a daily soft drink from the vending machine instead of buying a case of soda from the grocery store, a little pre-planning can save you money.
Tips for planning:
- Cook more on your days off. Here’s a fun website for Tasty inspiration.
- Plan meals (including lunches and snacks) before you go grocery shopping.
- Invest in Tupperware to take leftovers to work.
- Buy a case of your favorite beverage instead of singles from the vending machine.
- Get a large water bottle and drink more water.
- Give yourself an amount of money you plan to spend each week on food when the cash is gone, you’re done spending money on food for the week.
- Decide how much you want to save and set that aside first.
By becoming aware of how much money you spend, you can make decisions about how you’re spending money. Otherwise, your money drifts away without a plan.
#2: Check your emotions. Become aware of your emotions. How often have you splurged in order to sooth depression, loneliness, or anger? Instead of a shopping spree or spending more money on chocolate and ice cream, take care of feelings in helpful, healthful ways. By planning ahead, you’ll be ready to manage emotions rather than spending money in search of self-comfort.
Instead of retail therapy, try these suggestions to sooth those pesky feelings:
- Write.
- Get the rest you need.
- Exercise.
- Notice the specific feeling and make a list of possible actions or decisions.
- Talk with a friend.
- Listen to music.
- Go for a walk.
- Get creative.
- Plant something.
- Help someone.
- Read.
- Learn something.
- Encourage someone.
- Sing.
- Watch a motivational video.
Budgeting money doesn’t have to be hard, but it does require commitment. You will need to follow through with your budgeting decisions in order to see results. With consistent follow-through, you’ll keep more green in your wallet and in your bank account.
Want to take your budgeting to the next level? This free app lets you make budgets and track your spending: EveryDollar.