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You have taken the time to create a budget. It has been a time and energy consuming task, but you have done it. Now, you must stay with it. That budget seems great on paper, but it wont help if we dont do anything on our spending habits. Here are some ways that even the biggest budget hater can stick to one.
1. Spend your budget wisely.
Having plastic in our pocket stops us from thinking sometimes. We see something we want and we act like Betty and Wilma in The Flintstones: “Charge it!” Before we knowit, we have dipped into the bill money. Once it's gone, there's no way to get it back until next month.
2. Keep your credit cards away.
Once they are paid off, keep them away. If you carry them along you probably want to use them. It is okay to keep them since you never know when an emergency will come up, but out of sight will lead to out of mind.
3. Forget about that raise.
We are all guilty of planning on our next purchase as soon as we're running out of money. Instead of using that money, put it away in a savings account. It is an added bonus for doing a good job at work. Let it grow a little away from your buying habits.
4. Put away that tax refund.
Each year I used to count on the tax refund to pay my way out from debt. The problem was that I got right back into debt and needed to be bailed out again. Treat tax money like a raise or a bonus - keep it unconsidered.
5. Withdraw money from the ATM once a week.
If you know that you will need some cash on hand, go to the bank once and get enough to last. When it is gone, it's gone. Resist the urge to go back again for more.
6. Learn how to grocery shop.
This seems like insignificant task but it really is something fun to getting enough food to last, especially with children. Cut coupons out of the Sunday paper. Stock up on essentials like toilet paper, laundry detergent, soap, and the like when there is a sale. Buy common food staples in bulk. Buy meat from the butcher and have it cut up for free.
7. Re-negotiate insurance rates and utility plans.
Every three years or so it is good to review which plan gets you lower rates - your current insurance carriers or another.
Sticking to a personal budget takes time and we all fall back into old habits now and again. The point is to get yourself back on track and keep on going. You will reach your debt-free future. |
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