Governing one’s finances accordingly is something all humans need to take in account. When it comes to savings the hardest part is sticking to it. There are so many things we want at different times, and sometimes all at once. It can be a bit much and, often, we cave. It’s similar to a diet, where you might have one cookie and say, “Screw it, I’ve already ruined my diet. No use trying to stay with it.” Putting away money is hard when you get a little something extra in your hands; you want to spend it as soon as possible. Frugal living isn’t easy living, but it is rewarding. Here are some tips to help commit to saving.
1) Don’t enter the grocery store with a mental list. Minds play tricks on people. How many times have you said, ‘I’m going to get one thing’ and have walked out with 12? It’s okay. Everyone is guilty of this. Try using tunnel vision. While you’re walking in the isles, don’t browse the shelves, but keep focused on the list in your hands. Try not to walk past the bakery. If you do, take one good whiff and get out of there!
2) Many of people spend money before they get it. Stop that! Plan how you will save, not spend. Take out your taxes, utilities, and household necessities. Save half of what’s left. No more waiting on your check to pick up another revolving spice rack because you’ve ran out of space on the first one.
3) Plan your meals ahead of time! Stop looking in the fridge and guessing what’s for dinner. Before you shop, write six days’ worth of meals that your family will love. For example, Monday night is chicken and cheese quesadillas, Tuesday Night is baked chicken, white rice, and broccoli, Wedne…. Okay, you get the picture. Also choose a night (or two!) to eat leftovers. Some leftovers taste great the second time around! When you do shop, try that tunnel vision and stick to the menu.
4) Train your family into an eating pattern. Young kids need to be taught when to eat and teens need to learn moderation. Make sure your kids have something to eat before they leave for school. More schools are installing vending machines, which pull cash straight from your pocket. Make sure your child has a sufficient meal in the morning that will satisfy them until lunch. It’s not the same with teens. Teens will eat whenever, however and always, even if they aren’t hungry. As a teen, eating becomes a social habit. When one teen sees another eating, they also want to eat. Eventually their bodies get used to eating so much, and it becomes a pattern. Put your teen on an eating cycle. Don’t give them money to take to school. Have something in the house they can prepare before they leave and when they get home. Their body will adjust to the changes accordingly. The might even wind up a little bit healthier because of it. This also saves you money because they won’t be eating all of your food as soon as you bring it in from the car.
Sticking to the plan doesn’t require military precision or tactics. It’s all about commitment and habit. Plans are easy to follow if you can see them. Set reminders on your phone or get a dry-erase board for the fridge. The key is to plan variety into every meal. Dull and boring will just cause you to swipe your card even more!
What has helped you stick to your savings plans? Tell us in the comments!
