Building a budget is a great start to improving your financial health, and if you haven’t already there are easy tips to build a solid budget, but sticking to the budget you create is usually the most important - and difficult - part. Here are five easy ways that will help you save money and stick to your budget.
Leave credit cards at home
If you are going out and not making a big purchase, leave those credit cards at home. Only carry cash or a debit card so you’re not tempted to make a large impulse purchase.
Limit window shopping
Window shopping leads to impulse purchasing, it’s that simple. If you don’t need to be at a mall then don’t be there. Would you walk through a pastry shop if you were on a diet? The same logic applies.
Don’t buy items just because they’re on sale
Sales are addictive. Seventy percent off may feel like you are getting a bargain, but if you didn’t need the item in the first place then you’re losing money and blowing your budget. Save sales for items you actually need.
Bring a list to malls and grocery stores
Adding an extra item into the cart here and there may not seem like a big deal, but if you spent $10 a week in extra impulse groceries purchases that would equal $520 by the end of the year. Instead, plan ahead; create a list at home and stick to it in the store. This is often easier to do if children do not accompany you to the grocery store, so if possible try to shop alone.
Think about spending in terms of hours worked
Thinking about upgrading your cell phone or buying that pretty dress you don’t really need? Figure out how many hours you would have to work to afford it. It is a pretty sobering calculation and an easy way to help you stick to your pre-planned spending budget.
If you follow these five easy steps you'll see that sticking to a budget is possible. MoneyKey is proud to be state direct online lender connecting consumers with installment loans, online lines of credit, short-term loans and more.
Posted in: Financial Tips
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute financial, legal or other professional advice. For full details, see MoneyKey's Terms of Use.
