I can’t believe that April is here! I’m in month FOUR of the Contentment Challenge. I’ve honestly hardly spent money on myself or the house unless it was an urgent need. I have found I spend money on eating out (whether it’s running late + grabbing dinner or an unplanned date night with Ryan) and on others (I probably buy too many gifts for my niece/nephew and those I love – but, I love spoiling them!) so I probably need to start building that into my budget in a smarter way. I’m not perfect and I don’t think anyone is really, so I am trying my best to take this challenge as a chance to learn more about my finances and habits so I can better build our home finances! Along the way over the last three months, I’ve learned a few tips that have helped me curb my spending so I thought I’d share them with you!
1) Set savings aside immediately. If you have a job that directly deposits your paycheck, see if they can split it between accounts and have them automatically put a set amount in to your savings account. you never touch it, you never know about it. Figure out what you can afford to live without each month (don’t go crazy, small amounts add up!) and have them deposit that. If they can’t, just transfer it the day you get paid. Out of sight, out of mind.
2) Unsubscribe from emails. Sister, I’m talking to you. 90% of my emails on my personal account are ADS! Uh, hello. No wonder I buy a million candles + soaps. It’s all I see. And I NEVER miss a sale (which is great but also… not). Unsubscribe. When you go out somewhere and really need an item, I mean really need it, google your coupons. Don’t let them come to you and wear you down!
3) Log the stuffing out of what you’re doing. Whether it’s a spreadsheet or the numerous apps that exist for budgeting, use something. Trust me – it’s so much worse to not know what’s going on in your finances than it is to know. Knowledge is power, people!
4) Plan ahead for eating out. We all eat out or grab coffee with friends, our family and significant others (or even alone, hallelujah!). The key is to coupon, plan ahead and expect these expenses. Ryan and I have tried to limit our date nights to once a week and we try to go to restaurants that we know have specials. We also LOVE gift cards – which I know isn’t something you always control. My bank allows me to convert my credit card reward points into gift cards, so even when it’s not our birthday or Christmas when we get a handful of wonderful cards, we can still get a gift card and enjoy the night out. (Also – don’t buy alcohol out unless it’s happy hour – it’s expensive!).
Honestly getting control of your money + financial situation – which then makes you feel calmer, more content and empowered – is all about transparency. Know where your money is, what it’s going towards and really THINK before you spend the money. Is that purchase, meal or outfit going to make you happier, healthier and feel more fulfilled? Do you really need another mug even if it’s super cute? Do you need another book when you have 15 on your shelf you haven’t read AND a library card? Just remember – no one is perfect and habits don’t change overnight. But hard work, determination and some self control really do pay off in the end.
What’s your favorite money saving tip? Tell me about it – or tell me how I can support you with your contentment goals this April!
xoxo
Kristina
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