Over half of all Americans have less than three months of emergency money stashed away as savings. We never know what life has in store for us, so it’s important to save money when we can.
If you’re considering budget living, but don’t know where to start, or you’re worried about it making your life drab, then this short guide is for you.
Let’s take a look at a few ways you can start budgeting money, without taking all the fun out of life.
Start Budgeting
Before you start pulling your hair out over creating your ideal budget you should work out how much you’re already spending. This will make it much easier to create your new money-saving budget.
Start by writing down all your regular and necessary outgoings. This will include, but isn’t limited to:
- Rent
- Weekly food shopping
- Utility bills
- Any loan repayments
- Any other regular outgoings (prescriptions, memberships, hobbies, etc)
Once you’ve done this, it’s time to work out where the rest of your money is going. Over a week try and record all your extra spending. This might include coffee and snacks when you’re at work, impulse purchases, and evenings out.
Reinvent How You Eat
Most people spend more than they need on food because they don’t plan in advance. Spending the time to put together a meal plan means you can work out exactly what you need for the week. You can make this even more effective by cooking in bulk.
If you’re looking to take your food budgeting to the next level then why not try growing your vegetables and herbs. If you’re lucky enough to have a yard then you can put some of that space to good use and start planting your groceries!
Go Minimal
Most people have more than they need. We have a habit of impulse buying and keeping hold of things we don’t need anymore.
When you decide to start living on a budget it’s a good idea to declutter. Saying goodbye to the things you don’t need isn’t just good for seeing in your new minimal life, but it’s a great way to earn some extra cash.
With a bit of effort, all of those old clothes, accessories, books, and unused electrical appliances can be sold and turned into money.
Put Physical Restrictions on Your Money
When it comes to budgeting money, sometimes we need a little outside help. Many banks can help to provide budgeting services such as Bento. This might include putting daily spending limits on your debit card or restricting certain kinds of transactions.
Are You Ready for Budget Living?
If you’re new to budget living, then the idea of cutting down your spending might be intimidating at first. However, following these easy steps will help you to start saving money in no time at all.
Like any big life changes, don’t try and take too much on at once. Make gradual changes to your spending and you’ll soon see just how easy it is to save money.
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