Discover How to Stick To Your Budget

It doesn't matter if you're born rich or self-made. Unless you're going to budget your money, you will lose everything you've got. Here's the problem, though: it is so much easier to create a budget list than to stick to it.

Sticking to a budget doesn't have to be such a huge challenge for you. You can begin with the following tips:

1. Make sure you write them.

Create a list of every item your money goes into (such as food, transportation, and bills). Also write down your sources of income. The idea of writing is this: you don't want to forget, and you want to keep track of your expenses. You can also use the information for reference.

2. Take some time to write down your expenses.

Between savings and expenses, it's the spending that eats up a lot of your income. So you don't go overboard or spend more than what you can afford, write down every expense you've made. It doesn't have to take a long time, as long as you're diligent with it. Every time you make a purchase, keep the receipt and write each item down.

3. Consider savings as an expense.

A lot of people tend to consider the remaining money as savings. Usually, the amount isn't enough. Moreover, when the expenses close in on the salary, you have no more savings left. To save, consider it as an expense. This means keep the amount to a bank or a time deposit once you're going to receive your salary.

4. Pay off the bills.

Before you actually do your shopping, make sure you have already paid your bills, including your credit cards and mortgage. Of course, keep some as savings. This way, you can spend your cash any way you want to.

5. Learn to control yourself.

It's very important you can learn how to control your splurges or shopping addiction. It's not going to be easy, especially if you're already used to it. However, subliminal messages may be helpful. Here are some of them:

I can control my shopping urges.
I prioritize my needs over my wants.
I don't need a lot in my life.
I value every penny I receive.

You can repeat these subliminal messages every time you feel the urge. You can also listen to these subliminal messages when you're doing meditation or visualization.

6. Teach others to save.

Educate your children and spouse how to control the expenses. For instance, you may postpone gift giving to kids during Christmas. Opt for hand-me-downs than new clothes, particularly if the former still look okay. Request your spouse to help you prevent hoarding items.

7. Don't live beyond your means.

Your money has its own limitations. Honor it. If you desire so much more, you can learn to cut back on other expenses, look for higher-paying jobs, or accept part-time work as means to increase your income. Nevertheless, take inspiration from millionaires like Warren Buffett. They don't really splurge.