- The first rule to living on Budget is buy what you need. Buying what you need will help you to be able to save more which in return will allow you to become able to buy what you want down the line.
- Always divide your paycheck in portions. One portion goes to paying bills, one portion goes to Buying Things you need such as grocery, etc and the last portion goes to your savings. Even if you are able to save only $50 from each paycheck keep it up because eventually the $50 will turn to $100 then $150 and so on.
- Take advantage of sales. Also make use of coupons when necessary. There is absolutely nothing wrong with using coupons. It doesn't mean you are poor or too cheap. Coupons are made to be used so use them when you can, especially if you have other mouths to feed.
- Buy in Bulk. Buying in bulk is essential for many items especially if you have kids. This doesn't mean you should become a hoarder like mama June( from Honey BooBoo show). Two items I always buy in bulk are Toilet Rolls and paper towels. 20 pack toilet rolls cost about $15 at Shoprite but I wait till they go on sale and buy three packs at a time. I just bought three packs over the weekend for $6.99 a pack. Let's just say I won't have to worry about toilet rolls for few months. Also buying things like rice in bulk is essential for those with large family. Instead of buying small mini packs of rice every other day, buy the the 25lb or bigger bag instead. It will last you for a long time while saving you money as well.
- If you want to treat yourself to a Movie go during the off peak hours and save money. Also, depending on how strict your budget is limit it to two times. Whenever there are good movies out, I go to the movies in the morning on Saturdays and Sundays. I get there before 12pm and pay $6.73 for a movie ticket instead of $13.56. Going to the movies on both days cost me the price of 1 regularly priced movie ticket. Btw, I enjoy movies more in a less crowded movie theatre anyways.
- Living on budget might be hard at first but it get easier as time goes on, and your wallet gets "happier". My younger sister placed herself on a budget starting from January 2015 and towards the end of the year she was able to take a two months vacation in Europe. She went to UK, France, Belgium, Amsterdam, and Sweden plus a two day cruise to Finland. Sounds impossible? It's really not, but you have to plan ahead of time. My sister planned every detail of her trip in advance from securing affordable flight fares, affordable accommodation, places to eat, transportation, Local Attractions and so on. Depending on your pay grade , you might not be able to take a Europe excursion but you can take trips to local attractions in your state or within the country. Always create time to take a short trip to unwind. Your health and wellness should always come first.
- Lastly, don't limit yourself to one paycheck. You can do other side gigs to support yourself. Find what you are good at and channel it into a paying gig. I love to cook and bake and as a result of that I do catering for events as a side gig. If what you love is not bringing in the money, place it on hold and try something else. In as much as I love catering, if there was no money in it I won't be doing it. Also, find out what's popular in the economy today and tap into it. The social media is there for you so use it.
- If you have any questions or feedback use the comment box below or email me at: [email protected]
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