10 Simple Tips to Help Stick to Your Budget
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Creating a budget is an important first step to taking control of your finances. But sticking to your budget consistently is equally vital for it to be effective. When your actual spending aligns with your budgeted expenses, you can manage cash flow, reduce debt, and save for goals.
Use the following 10 practical tips to help make budgeting a habit.
1. Make budgeting a habit
Set reminders to review your budget weekly. Update the budget with any income/expense changes monthly. Use budgeting apps that allow easy tracking. Books like "You Need a Budget" by Jesse Mecham can help form good money habits.
2. Automate transactions
Set up online bill pay for fixed expenses. Schedule automatic transfers from checking to savings and investment accounts. Automate savings contributions the day after payday. "I Will Teach You to Be Rich" by Ramit Sethi has automation tips.
3. Avoid budget busters
Identify your top 3 budget-derailing expenses and limit them. For example, commit to eat out no more than once a week. Shop with a list to reduce impulse purchases. The book "All Your Worth: The Ultimate Lifetime Money Plan" by Elizabeth Warren & Amelia Warren Tyagi can help curb overspending.
4. Give yourself a buffer
Pad key expenses like gas and groceries by 10-20% in your budget. Underestimate variable income like bonuses or freelance work. This allows you to absorb surprise costs. "Worry-Free Money: The guilt-free approach to managing your money and your life" by Shannon Lee Simmons focuses on building financial margins.
5. Track spending closely
Download a spending-tracker app and enter purchases daily. Save receipts, bank statements and check registers to compare with budget. "Debt-Free Forever: Take Control of Your Money and Your Life" by Gail Vaz-Oxlade has tracking resources.
6. Use cash for discretionary purchases
Withdraw set allowance amounts for categories like entertainment, clothing or hobbies. When cash runs out, no more spending. Dave Ramsey's "The Total Money Makeover" strongly advocates the cash envelope system.
7. Seek out deals and discounts
Sign up for daily deal emails, check for phone app promo codes, and scan for sales especially on bigger purchases. Read "Extreme Couponing: Learn How to Be a Savvy Shopper and Save Money... One Coupon At a Time" by Joni Meyer-Crothers & Beth Adelman for extreme cost-cutting tips.
8. Meal plan and batch prep
Outline meals for the week before grocery shopping. Look for recipes that use overlapping ingredients. Cook 2-3 meals worth at once for easy reheating. "Eat Well on $4 a Day" by Leanne Brown has affordable meal plans.
9. Give every dollar a job
Use zero-based budgeting to assign all income to a spending purpose. This prevents /"leftover"/ money from being unaccounted for. Rachel Cruze's "Smart Money Smart Kids" focuses on intentional spending.
10. Involve others
Share budget with family/partner for input and accountability. Schedule monthly money talks. Read Budgeting 101: From Getting Out of Debt and Tracking Expenses to Setting Financial Goals and Building Your Savings, Your Essential Guide to Budgeting as a couple for unity.
Sticking to a budget requires discipline, but getting into the habit becomes easier over time. Implementing these practical tips will help you stay on track and manage money wisely.