Is your bank account balance somehow always lower than you expect it to be? Have you ever tried to stick to a budget but failed? Do you find yourself spontaneously spending money without thinking about the long-term effects? Do you spend more money than you have in order to participate in experiences with your friends or social peers? If you answered yes to any of these, check out these budget ideas that will help you keep money in your pocket for when you need it most.
Keep Clear Of the FOMO Mentality
According to the Modern Wealth Survey from Charles Schwab, “FOMO fuels American spending.” The report details that more than one-third of Americans admit that their spending habits are influenced by the images and experiences they see their friends sharing on social media.
This Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO) and desire to keep up with what we see our peers doing has the unfortunate consequence of pushing many Americans to their financial extremes.
With this information in mind, a wonderful budgeting idea is to think about how you’re influenced by what you see on social media or by the way your friends spend their money.
Does seeing your friend on a beach vacation make you more likely to max out your credit card on an upcoming trip even though you’ve still got a debt to pay off from last month’s credit card balance?
Does the hairstyle you see your favorite celebrity wearing push you to make an appointment with a top stylist despite just scraping enough cash together last month to cover your car insurance bill?
To read the rest of the Modern Wealth report, visit https://bit.ly/39dZgCw
Grocery Shopping Budget Ideas
Let's talk about budget grocery shopping, and I’m not talking about stocking up on ramen! Food is essential and money must be spent to get it. However, there are ways you can budget for your next grocery trip.
First, let's talk about the myth that buying clean and healthy foods is more expensive. This may be true. However, it is possible to stick to a budget AND buy healthy foods at the same time. Here's how.
It is, in fact, possible to feed yourself healthy, wholesome, and delicious meals on a budget, all it takes is some planning upfront.
First, come up with a meal plan that you can easily stick to. This might mean dedicating a specific day of the week to a specific meal, like lasagna Mondays, taco Tuesdays, pizza Wednesdays, burger Thursdays, and stir fry Fridays. Make sure you pick foods that you actually enjoy eating and that you actually have the time and ability to put together.
Next, take stock of what you have at home and keep track of things when you run out of them or when you’re about to run out of them. Basic items might include:
1. eggs
2. rice
3. beans
4. tomato sauce
5. milk
6. fruits
7. veggies
8. almond flour
9. Swerve
10. coffee
11. peanut butter
12. whatever else you and your household consume on a regular basis.
Make sure to bring this list to the store with you and try not to diverge from it.
Lastly, stay up to date with your chosen store’s circulars and sale patterns. Weekly ads typically are released on Wednesdays, so browse through what’s on sale and plan your meals accordingly. Also, look at the circulars for stores that you don’t normally shop at—many people have preconceived notions about certain chains of grocery stores, but in reality, shopping at a store you might have once turned your nose up at could save you hundreds of dollars.
So, a great budgeting idea is to make a list for your upcoming week’s meals and stick to it when you go grocery shopping. Don’t buy anything that’s not on that list! Another tip I always share with my clients is to never go to the grocery store hungry! You’ll buy more than you need and probably end up buying more unhealthy foods too.
Outline Long-Term Savings Goals
This next budgeting idea may take some time but it's worth it if it helps you stay on track with your money goals.
Spend some time thinking about the future by doing this exercise:
1. Write down three or four things you want to accomplish in the next five or ten years. This may include things like homeownership, starting a family, or starting your own business
2. Write down two things you want to accomplish in the next year in regards to your finances. This may include things like paying off your debt, building an emergency fund, or starting a new job
3. Write down one thing you want to accomplish in the next month. This may be saving a certain amount of money or stop using your credit cards completely