How I’m Saving
Don’t get me wrong, all my bills get paid but I am HORRIBLE about impulsive spending and going out. This year I’m setting my budget with goals of travel and debt paid off.
1. I know everyone is saying this but NO EATING OUT. Obviously there’s exceptions with travel, celebrations, and other planned events but no more just cause eat outs or because “I don’t want my leftovers.” This will also help with getting in shape since I’m going to Saint Thomas this summer and want to lose a few pounds and be more tone. I will be grocery shopping for meal prep and snacks weekly and planning out meals intentionally to achieve these goals.
2. I know Christmas literally just happened but I’ve gone ahead and started my list so whenever I go to run errands, instead of just grabbing things I want because “I can afford it” I’m adding it to the list. This is helpful because 1 I know I can get it in a few months, and 2 I never am able to tell my family what I want for Christmas so now I can give them this itemized list that can guarantee a good gift for me.
3. Finally the most obvious answer, follow my budget. There are several trips I want to go on this year and I will be moving as well so I need to really focus on saving. I work as a server and get cash so I will weekly put aside the funds I need for bills, trips, and debt then use what is left for groceries then straight into my savings. Following this should help grow my savings and allow me to achieve booking the trips I want, and have enough for moving into my new apartment in July.
What new money habits or budgeting tricks are you using this year?