5 tips to Ballin' on a Budget
We all want the lifestyle. Jim Jones made a hit single out of it. It’s both a game and a way of life. If the “green” isn’t flowing like you want it to, here’s how to live like it is.
5. Cut back on the excess.
Whether you like to buy up the bar when you go out, or a chain smoker every time drama happens, cutting back is essential.
4. Downgrade when possible.
Are you really watching all 32 HBO channels you are paying for? It may be time to take a look at where your money is going to right now. Start by listing on paper the most important bills you have coming in each month (usually your house, car, etc). You might be surprised what’s truly left over for play money.
3. Pay your bills first, on time, every time.
Plenty of people wind up getting their paycheck, and immediately start making plans for money that has already been accounted for. After they wind up spending it on things theywant, they don’t have enough left over for what they need to pay. If your bank offers it, set up online bill pay, which would take the ease of having to mail bills out, and keep you on a schedule of what is due when.
2. Save up instead of charging.
Next time you get the urge to make an impulse purchase, ask yourself, “Do I NEED this?” People with plastic who aren’t disciplined can be a dangerous combination. If you keep yourself in a budget on a daily basis, and then put aside money for the item you want, you will save over the interest you would spend on the credit card, but appreciate it a lot more.
1. Live the 80/20 Way.
Some things don’t go out of style. When/If you can, adapt the 80/20 rule to finance. Take 80 percent of your paycheck, and operate within that amount. 10 percent can go to your church(if you go), or in your 401K at work. The other 10 percent should go into a savings account, or to debt that you need to pay off. If you can’t live off the 80 percent of your check a month, then you need to re-evaluate your expenses, or potentially your job.
Referenced article HERE.
