TIP: Stick to your guns!! Sticking to your budget might be the hardest part. Unless you’ve got super powered self-control, get creative about how to keep your spending under wraps.
Once you’ve created a budget, you’ve got to stick to it! It takes discipline, but with some helpful tools and ideas, you can do it. Check out all the great budgeting resources on the Believe in Your Future website.
• Cash System: To keep from over spending, try putting cash in envelopes for things like groceries, entertainment, eating out, etc. When you head to the store, or out for some fun, take only your designated envelope. You’ll be forced to stay within the bounds of your budget, and knowing exactly how much you have now, and what you might need later on, will help you keep your spending in check.
• Use Technology: Your best budgeting tool is no longer a simple 10-key calculator! You can use a spreadsheet to track, categorize, and calculate your expenses. There is also an array of free budgeting systems available on the web, many of which have accompanying applications for your smart phone. Carry your budget in your pocket! Check out www.yodlee.com for a snazzy program that integrates all your bank accounts, tracks your budget, and alerts you when you’ve over spent.
These are just two ideas. What techniques are you using? Please feel free to share!
