Sticking to a Spending Plan

It’s easy to get caught up in overspending when there are so many interesting products and services out there today.

But going overboard with wants can lead to financial hardship down the line.

These are some tips for sticking to a spending plan.

couple calculating financial budget on desktop calculator - Sticking to a Spending Plan

How to Do a Better Job Budgeting

Sticking to a spending plan—otherwise known as making a budget—is one of the building blocks of good financial health.

You can’t be in a good place with money if you’re consistently spending more than your income.

Doing so requires you to take on debt, which will only keep spiraling out of control until you can’t even meet your interest obligations anymore.

Budgeting makes it so you know exactly how much money is coming into and leaving your accounts.

It takes all ambiguity out of your financial situation.

These are a few things that can help you do a better job of budgeting:

Determine the Right Time Frame –

It’s typically assumed that budgeting should be done on a monthly basis.

But there’s no hard rule to this.

Some people might do better with their spending plan if they’re instead budgeting by the week.

Budget Every Dollar of Income –

Some people have a tendency to budget enough for their bills, and then let the rest just be what’s left over.

Doing this sets you up to spend too much and save too little.

By budgeting every dollar you bring in (including savings and discretionary spending), you’ll be more likely to stick to your savings plan.

Be Realistic with Yourself –

You’re not going to change everything overnight. Have realistic expectations for how you’re going to change habits to stick to your spending plan.

Doing this consistently over time will lead to gradual, real change.

Having an effective budgeting method is essential for keeping your spending plan on track.

Budgeting isn’t the only thing that will help you stick to a spending plan.

Sticking to a Spending Plan

Force Yourself to Take Time Before Making a Purchase

Oftentimes, we make purchases in the moment that we regret later.

Even if it’s something relatively small, buying too many items without taking serious consideration can add up over time.

You’ll really feel this when the bills start coming due.

One way to avoid this is by creating a rule for waiting before going through with a purchase.

It could be a day, 48 hours, or a week—the timeframe is up to you.

The important aspect is giving yourself some time and space between the temptation and you going through with it.

If it’s still something that seems important after having some time apart, you can feel more sure about going through with the purchase.

Think about Using Credit Cards Less

Credit cards are great for a couple reasons.

They’re extremely convenient; they make it so you don’t have to carry cash around with you everywhere, which can be lost or stolen; and they allow you to make money back from rewards.

What’s not to like?

Well, even though there are some major positives to credit cards, there are some negative aspects as well.

One of the top drawbacks is the fact that you’ll accumulate interest on your balances if you don’t pay them off each month.

The longer you let this pattern persist, the more likely you are to rack up an unsustainable amount of debt.

If you feel credit cards make it difficult for you to control your spending, consider using them less.

They can be really great for necessities, such as paying bills—as you’ll generate cash back on essential purchases.

But anyone who struggles with spending control should seriously consider leaving the cards at home, as they can encourage unhealthy debt levels.

Sticking to a spending plan can help you get your financial life back on track.

It’s worth working toward this, as financial freedom grants you the ability to more freely pursue your goals and dreams.

 

 

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