Things You'll Need:
- Self-Discipline.
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Step 1
Be familiar with the budget. Know the amounts (by heart, if possible) that are alloted for bills, spending, incidentals, and so on.
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Step 2
Find a process that works for you. For example: every Sunday at 8pm, pay bills. Make sure that you open the mail and pay your bills on time, in order to avoid a late fee.
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Step 3
Use Cash. Create a Cash system. Pay bills online, and then creat a cash system for the remaining expenses. Go to the bank and withdraw the cash alloted for the other expenses. Example: $240 Food, $150 Entertainment, $50 Clothing, $30 Personal Care, $100 Gas, $100 Prescriptions, $25 Birthday Gifts, etc. Spending cash is different than swiping a card. Then once the money is gone for Clothing, then you are done until the next month.
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Step 4
Keep adjusting the budget until it is accurate. It's okay to fluxuate as you are perfecting it. However, after a few months then you need to buckle down and stick to it. Sometimes you will need to add things that you forgot such as car maintance, haircuts, or an additional wedding gift.
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Step 5
Create Alternative Solutions. Find things to do that don't cost much money such as checking out a book or movie at the library (be sure to return it on time), Hand Make Gifts instead of giving money, Eat leftovers, Take a walk, Journal, Play cards or board games, Spend time with friends, Clean your house, Cut Coupons, etc. Instead of spending money find things that don't cost much to do. Or if you see that you are running low on grocery money-cut the extras such as pop, candy bars, etc.
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Step 6
Challenge yourself to keep every receipt. Make a receipt for the things that don't come with one, such as vending maching purchases. This will keep you accountable. Then after the month is over you can throw away the receipts. This is a good way to look over your expenses and see if there is a way to cut down to save more.
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Step 7
Avoid temptations. If shopping is your weakness, avoid stores. If eating out is your weakness, then prepare meals.
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Step 8
Be Prepared! When you go get groceries-have a list and stick to it. Plan your meals ahead so you know the ingrediance to get. When you go shopping have a plan. Example: Today I am only allowed to spend $16.00 for one shirt. Within your budget set boundaries.
