Contrary to popular opinion, the key to financial freedom isn’t solely based on the amount of money you bring into the household each month. It’s about learning how to manage your money and prioritize your spending. This is also known as living beneath your means.
Next, you’ll find some great suggestions for living beneath your means in order to build savings. You won’t have to move into a shoebox or completely forgo entertainment and shopping. But these tips will help you learn how to make better spending choices.
1Have A Slice Of Humble Pie
If you’re constantly in a competition with your neighbors, coworkers, or friends, you’re never going to stop spending. In the back of your mind, you’ll always try to “beat” them by having the newest car, the biggest house, the most expensive clothing, and more. Once you eject the competitiveness from your mind, you’ll be able to effectively trim the fat from your budget.
If you’re a smoker, now is the time to quit. If not for your health, do it for your financial future. In some states, a pack of cigarettes can cost $10. If you’re a pack-per-day smoker, you can save $300 per month by ditching this harmful habit.
Work with what you have. There’s no need to upgrade your car if the one you’re driving now gets you from point A to point B. If your current home isn’t to your liking, make some updates or redecorate – it’s a far less expensive fix than purchasing an extravagant estate.
2Trim Your Grocery Budget
Coupons aren’t the only way to save money on your grocery bills (but they certainly help). You just need to be conscious of your purchases. It’s possible to feed a family of four for under $10, with a high-quality meal to boot!
Never go grocery shopping when you’re hungry or tired. For three nights per week, cook up something very inexpensive for dinner, like beans and rice or homemade soup. It’ll be a nice change of pace, without feeling deprived. And of course, the biggest bonus is that you’ll save money!
3Make Savings A Priority
Savings isn’t optional. It’s necessary for financial emergencies – and they always come up in some form or another. Treat it like any other bill each month. Place this, like every other bill, in your budget workbook. You do have a budget workbook, don’t you?
If you’d like, break it up into pay periods. In order to save $800 per month in a two-income household, each partner would have to set aside $100 per week. A $400 goal would be just $50 per week. When a savings goal is broken into manageable pieces, it’s a far less daunting figure.
4Refusing The Urge To Live Larger
When you’re unable to meet your savings goals, find a way to make more money. You can opt to spend less money each month. If you’re able to trim the fat from your monthly expenses, there will always be a way to meet your savings goals.
Budget your “fun money” as well. When you budget a set amount for unnecessary shopping trips and entertainment, you can’t shop until you drop. When the money runs out, you’re done.
Your entire life doesn’t need to change in order to live below your means. It’s all about minimizing your expenses where possible and refusing the urge to live larger, even if you have the means to do so. By implementing these simple tips, you can slash hundreds of dollars, if not more, off your monthly bills and stash it into your savings account!
Arlene Garretson is a proud resident of Daytona Beach, Florida, mother, and author. When she isn't writing about self-help, she enjoys hiking and photography: a great combination.
