Gift Cards Only
If you want to set a limit on the what you want to spend on gas, groceries or entertainment, just control your spending by using only gift cards. This helps because then you have a limit and are not going to spend too much by using your debit card too much.
Write Down Every Purchase
When budgeting, it is very hard to keep track of the small things and that can be a burden on how much you are spending. Carry around a mini notebook to keep track of every little thing that you buy and this will help you think twice before you spend your money on something you don’t really need.
Envelopes
Use envelopes for things that aren’’t automated and things where your money can fluctuate throughout the month. Entertainment, groceries and eating out can be considered areas in budgeting where you can use envelopes to control your spending. Only put a certain amount of money that you want to budget for those specific areas and only spend what is in the envelope. Do not opt for your debit card when the envelope is out of cash.
Limit Trips To The Store
Create a shopping schedule for your groceries and your personal items can be very helpful to your budgeting. Only go to the store the days you have scheduled and only when you absolutely need to go. Try to avoid going after work to pick up an item that you need. This will ensure that you won’t get carried away at the store too often.
Find A Money Buddy
If you have a friend that you can trust to lee you accountable, try comparing monthly expenses with each other. Challenge yourself to create the biggest savings or spend the least in that month. This will really encourage you to be better with your spending.
