Are you familiar with the tug-of-war between your wallet and your wish list? Yeah, we’ve all been there. Staying on budget can feel very limiting and overwhelming, but it’s not impossible. If your budgeting game feels a bit off lately, sit tight. I’ve got some super practical tips to help you stick to your budget without the stress. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!
Let Tech Be Your Financial BFF
Let’s talk about budgeting apps – it’s like having a financial advisor in your pocket that can help you track your spending. Just set your budget, connect your cards, and they’ll keep tabs on every dime you spend. Overstepping your budget? They’ll nudge you back in line. It’s perfect for those of us who can’t find the time to sit with our credit card bills and a calculator. Do a little digging to find the app that fits your lifestyle like a glove.
That is not to say, you shouldn’t be mindful and aware of your spending. I think it is still a good idea to sit down once or twice a month and go through all of your expenses to identify areas of improvement. You can call it a money date and make it a fun experience by going to a coffee shop, playing your favorite music and getting down to business.
Learn to shop smart
Next, let’s exploit those deals and discounts! Sniffing out the best offers can be a game-changer for your budget. But here’s a pro tip: don’t get carried away by every sale sign. Some deals are just made up for price hikes. Always put on your detective hat and investigate whether that “amazing deal” truly saves you money. It’s all about shopping smart, not just hard.
I wrote an in-depth article sharing my best hacks and tips to always get the best deals and earn extra cashback – check it out!
Embrace the ’30-day rule’
This one’s a game-changer for impulse buyers. Whenever you’re eyeing a big-ticket item, hit the pause button and implement the ’30-day rule.’ Simply put, wait 30 days before making the purchase. During this period, mull over whether you really need it or if it’d just be an impulse buy. Often, you’ll find that the urge to buy fades away, saving you money. Plus, if you still feel it’s essential after 30 days, you can buy it knowing it’s a well-considered decision, not an impulse buy.
You can do something similar for cheaper items. Whenever, I’m walking down the street and see something I want to buy, which happens very often since I live in NYC, I just go home and wait 2-3 days before making the decision to purchase the item. Most of the time, I just forget. Other times, I cannot stop thinking about what I want to buy and I go ahead and treat myself.
Allocate ‘fun money’ in your budget
Budgeting doesn’t mean cutting out all the fun. In fact, it’s crucial to allocate a specific amount for leisure and entertainment – your ‘fun money.’ This approach ensures you enjoy the fruits of your hard work without the guilt. It’s all about balance. Allotting a set amount for enjoyable activities or purchases each month keeps you from feeling deprived and helps prevent binge spending. This way, you can indulge in your favorite pastimes while staying on track with your overall financial goals.
Use comparison websites
Last but not least, let’s talk about comparison websites. Of course, this entirely depends on what you are purchasing. If you are buying a car for example, then sites like Edmunds lay out your options side by side, making it easier to spot the best deals. Just remember, not everything can be compared online, so use this tool wisely to balance cost and quality.
Look, I get it. Budgeting isn’t exactly everyone’s idea of a good time and I’m definitely not an expert at it. But trust me, with these strategies, you’ll find it easier to stick to your budget and stay financially fit without pulling your hair out.
