It's one thing to create a budget, but another to actually stick to it. You may have the best intentions, but find it hard to pass up a good deal or something you REALLY want. The truth is sticking to a budget can be hard. However, there are things you can do to make it easier. Let's take a closer look at tricks for sticking to your budget.
Pay Yourself
A huge mistake many people make with their budget is that they don't allot money for themselves. You want to make sure your budget has an amount set aside that is just for fun. Think of it as a grownup allowance. Each week you'll get a certain amount to spend on whatever you want. Getting this amount each week will make it much easier to stick to your budget.
Use the Envelope System
If you have trouble sticking to a certain amount when it comes to variable expenses, use the envelope system. With the envelope system, you put money into an envelope and that's all you're allowed to spend on that expense that pay period. For example, you might put $400 in an envelope to spend on groceries every two weeks. Once that money is gone, it's gone.
Coupon Shop
Sometimes sticking to your budget is a problem because your family needs more than you can really afford. This is why you should use coupons. Coupon shopping allows you to feed your family for less, get health and beauty items for very little (sometimes free), and even give you overages to buy other things your family needs.
Cut Expenses
Chances are you cut your expenses some when you created your budget. However, there are always more expenses that can be cut. For example, if you decided to stick with your cable or satellite package, you may still be paying over $100 a month to watch TV. Why? There are so many ways to watch TV for free or for a small fraction of what you're paying now. Cut expenses and you'll have more money for other things.
Shop Dollar Tree or Other Discount Stores
Did you know that Dollar Tree actually carries brand name products? It's true. While not everything at the Dollar Tree is a great deal, you can often find great buys. The Dollar Tree is always getting in new things so it pays to shop there often. If you're not a Dollar Tree fan, consider other discount stores, such as Big Lots.
Wait 24 Hours Before Buying Something
Last, but not least, if you see something you think you simply have to have, wait 24 hours before buying it. If you still want it, buy it. Most of the time, you'll find that you really don't have to have that item or you'll simply forget about it.
Sticking to a budget doesn't have to be hard. There are so many things you can do to make it easier.
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