Budget-Minded

Use the list below to see how you can make the most of your finances and perhaps make your money grow or use the tips to help you get out of debt. It just takes a little ingenuity and common sense to be budget-minded.

• see the big picture of your money before you spend it

When money from any source comes into your household, especially employment checks, payments, dividends, or child support for instance, look ahead at what you will need to spend during those pay-periods before you do any extra  or frivolous spending.

• Consider everything most important to your family that you can't live without.

If you have children, most of your money will go for their needs, so look ahead to what they will need for the month including any regular expenses such as tutoring, for example. There is also housing to consider, health insurance, food, clothing, gasoline and utilities. 

• Make good use of money you have left over

Whatever money is left over after necessities, save about 10 percent of it for any unexpected spending. Another 10 percent should go to savings. Of course, this doesn't take into account that if you're a Christian you will want to give to God from your money as you receive it.

• keep an emergency fund easily accessable in a savings account

Rather than looking to credit cards when you have an unexpected expense or an emergency, have a special savings account that is only for this purpose. Get a debit card for easy access but don't carry it around with you. Keep it in a safe place or keep a checking account instead so that you can quickly access your money with a check.

• look for ways to save money

There are many ways to save money. Look around your home for ideas. Instead of buying DVDs for movies, rent them at a discount movie rental. Purchase clothing at mid-ranged department store that sells good clothing for less.  If you must have designer clothing, many of these stores carry them too.  However, have more confidence in yourself by not caring what other people think of you.  It will take much spending pressure off you.

Prepare meals at home more often.  If you work or are very busy, you can prepare many meals ahead of time on your day off or at the beginning of the week.  Once you get a routine going it won't seem that time consuming.  Have your children help you. Always take a list to the grocery store to prevent spending over your budget. 

If you have your clothes dry-cleaned, begin washing them instead. Again you can form a routine, having your family working together to help you get the wash done. A family working together for any purpose, create a bonding that keeps the family together during difficult times.

Have fun while you remain budget-minded. Take most of your vacations close to home. Keep up with the latest cultural events in your community that are free, have backyard barbeques with your neighbors or go on picnics. In general, be creative with ways to save!

• Budget-minded people are do-it-yourselfers

Learn to do things you pay others to do for you. For example do your own hair and your family's hair.  Bath and groom your dog more often than taking it to the groomers. Do your own gardening with the help of your family.  Learn how to fix small household problems with instructions from the Internet.  Again, look around your home and see where you can save money. 

It may appear that becoming budget-minded is too life-changing for you. However once you create new habits that will save you money, you'll begin to see it grow