I have been working since I was 16 years old and now work a full time job but I can't seem to stick to a budget. I promise myself all of the time that I will make myself a budget and stick to it but after a couple of days my budget goes out the window. I have researched so many ways to make a budget and stick to it. I have even tried the cash thing where you only put a percentage of your check into your bank account and keep the rest in cash. With that cash you designate envelopes for each category such as groceries, each of the bills you pay, gas, and spending money and once that money is gone it is gone. This way you can't just swipe, swipe, swipe that debit card and use all of your money. Like if I go in Wal-Mart with $20 in cash thats all I can spend, no more than that. I'm the type though if I find a great deal and it costs more than $20 I will just run out to the car and get my debit card or more money. I have tried paying what I have to pay then leaving my debit card at home instead of being tempted to run to Wal-Mart or the dollar store but that has never worked out either I always end up needing money for something. So I'm on a hunt for the "perfect" budget. Normally as soon as I get my paycheck it is spent. Take right now for example I just got paid last Thursday and it is only Tuesday and I am already broke wondering how in the world I am going to get gas until next Thursday. It isn't always like that just that its January or in my terms "the broke month."
I have looked up a number of money saving ideas and yes, some of them do work but many do not even apply to me and some are just too difficult. Here are just a few that I personally like:
- PACK YOUR LUNCH!!!! I can't express how much money I save per week when I pack my lunch. I normally will make some kind of sandwich or take leftovers. I also know that if you make a large salad and split it into portions to take for lunch it works great. Soup is the same! My personal favorite is Bear Creek soup. I learned this very quickly because I worked at a pizza place for nearly 6 years and you could "eat now...pay later" we could post it to come out of our check. That really hurt my checks!
- If you do eat out a lot instead of soda or tea order water. At many places this could save you over $2. At $2 per drink if you ate out every day in one week you would be spending $14! It really adds up! To go along with this pick your food up whenever possible because you will be saving not only on your drinks but also the gratuity for your waiter.
- NEVER EVER go grocery shopping hungry. I know you probably hear this a lot I know I did, but it really does make a difference. If I am hungry I tend to spend $25-$50 more on my grocery bill buying convenience foods that I really wouldn't normally buy.
- Which brings me to my next point...try to cut out on convenience foods. Yes they are nice because they don't take long and they are easy for snacks but they cost way more than if you buy ingredients and make your own. This is not the case all of the time but typically it is good to remember.
- Keep your car over half full at all times. I am so very guilty about this!!! My gas light is on a lot! I do know that if you keep your tank full it runs a lot longer on a tank than if you only put in a little at a time.
- Coupon Coupon Coupon
- Price Match!!!
Another big issue now is gas prices. To be honest I don't even really look because I know I have to get it so why bother. I do know where the cheapest gas prices in my town are so I stick to those gas stations.
A lot of people suggest freezing food for later like instead of one casserole for dinner make 2 so you can freeze one. For some of us this is much easier said than done(I have a teeny tiny freezer!)
It is amazing how fast you can spend your money but when you are broke you can stretch that last little bit until payday again. Sorry for my soapbox I just get a little frustrated here and there. Just remember if you ever are having money troubles you are not alone!
