Five Ways To Spend Money Wisely
Yes, we're talking about money today.
Totally getting real with you today. I don't make a lot of money. My budget is really tight. I have a scarcity mindset about money that I'm working on changing. I'm in debt. I worry about money.
Why am I telling you this? Well, because the more I've been open about talking about the issues I have with money, the more I've realized that I'm not alone. With social media, we so often see these incredible moments in a person's life. We see their travels, big purchases they've made, and other parts that make us feel that we are alone in our struggles. Do you know how many times I have thought, "nobody is struggling like this."
My own money struggles and curiosity has had me Googling so much about budgeting, paying off debt, ways to make more money, and so much more financial information. If you want a good Instagram account to follow, I'm loving The Financial Diet. The advice and realness they share is incredible. I often find myself in a funk because of money troubles, but honestly, focusing on gratitude and all the goodness in my life along with doing what I can to take control of my finances helps so much.
There are five things that I do that help me spend my money wisely. I track everything that comes in and comes out and do my best to stick to my budget. Let's be real.. sometimes, that just doesn't happen. I just had to put new tires on my car the other day because they were so bad. Life happens and you know what? I trust that the money will come. I give myself grace.
Use coupons.
I love coupons! I love shopping at Kroger and their app allows me to download digital coupons that automatically apply to my purchase. It is so easy! Coupons.com is a really great resource for couponing! The key to coupons is to only use the ones you will actually use and don't buy anything just because you have a coupon. If you need something and there is a coupon for it, great. Don't buy what you don't need.
Create a plan to pay off your debt.
Dave Ramsey honestly has some amazing advice about this. I currently can't afford to put too much extra money to my debt, but whenever I pick up a shift at the concession stand (it was my first job and sometimes they'll ask me to work... so glamorous!), sell something on Poshmark, do some freelance work, or do a sponsored post, I try to put that towards my debt.
Wait before making a purchase.
How many times have you fallen in love with something, worn it once, and now it just sits in your closet? I've done this a ton of times, so now, I do my best to wait it out and not do any impulse buys. I mean, I waited months (like a year) before getting AirPods. If I see something in the store that I love, I'll actually grab it and then walk around for store for a while looking at other things. More often than not, I'll put the thing back because I decide I actually don't want it. If you don't need it, seriously, just wait before making a purchase.
Make a grocery list and stick to it.
This is an important one! Make a list of what you need and stick to it! Not only does this save you money, but it also helps you stay on track and not waste food. Also, please don't go to the store hungry. I tend to buy all these cheese, bread, and pastries when I do that.
Spend money on your well-being.
Are you craving a coffee from Starbucks? Do you want a mani pedi? Do you want to go to that Jonas Brothers concert? Do it. Save money where you can to do things that make you happy. Life is meant to be enjoyed and that can happen within our budget. Rachel Hollis has talked about when she was broke, she would save up to take herself to Subway for a sandwich. That was something she did for herself. It was what she could afford and it was such a treat for her. Whatever that treat is for you, do it.
So many of us struggle with money, including me. Whatever your financial situation is like, starting with a budget is a great first step. You've got to remember that life is meant to be enjoyed, but there are smart ways we can do that. And you have to remember that it is totally okay to do something good for you.
xx,
Amanda
Totally getting real with you today. I don't make a lot of money. My budget is really tight. I have a scarcity mindset about money that I'm working on changing. I'm in debt. I worry about money.
Why am I telling you this? Well, because the more I've been open about talking about the issues I have with money, the more I've realized that I'm not alone. With social media, we so often see these incredible moments in a person's life. We see their travels, big purchases they've made, and other parts that make us feel that we are alone in our struggles. Do you know how many times I have thought, "nobody is struggling like this."
My own money struggles and curiosity has had me Googling so much about budgeting, paying off debt, ways to make more money, and so much more financial information. If you want a good Instagram account to follow, I'm loving The Financial Diet. The advice and realness they share is incredible. I often find myself in a funk because of money troubles, but honestly, focusing on gratitude and all the goodness in my life along with doing what I can to take control of my finances helps so much.
There are five things that I do that help me spend my money wisely. I track everything that comes in and comes out and do my best to stick to my budget. Let's be real.. sometimes, that just doesn't happen. I just had to put new tires on my car the other day because they were so bad. Life happens and you know what? I trust that the money will come. I give myself grace.
Use coupons.
I love coupons! I love shopping at Kroger and their app allows me to download digital coupons that automatically apply to my purchase. It is so easy! Coupons.com is a really great resource for couponing! The key to coupons is to only use the ones you will actually use and don't buy anything just because you have a coupon. If you need something and there is a coupon for it, great. Don't buy what you don't need.
Create a plan to pay off your debt.
Dave Ramsey honestly has some amazing advice about this. I currently can't afford to put too much extra money to my debt, but whenever I pick up a shift at the concession stand (it was my first job and sometimes they'll ask me to work... so glamorous!), sell something on Poshmark, do some freelance work, or do a sponsored post, I try to put that towards my debt.
Wait before making a purchase.
How many times have you fallen in love with something, worn it once, and now it just sits in your closet? I've done this a ton of times, so now, I do my best to wait it out and not do any impulse buys. I mean, I waited months (like a year) before getting AirPods. If I see something in the store that I love, I'll actually grab it and then walk around for store for a while looking at other things. More often than not, I'll put the thing back because I decide I actually don't want it. If you don't need it, seriously, just wait before making a purchase.
Make a grocery list and stick to it.
This is an important one! Make a list of what you need and stick to it! Not only does this save you money, but it also helps you stay on track and not waste food. Also, please don't go to the store hungry. I tend to buy all these cheese, bread, and pastries when I do that.
Spend money on your well-being.
Are you craving a coffee from Starbucks? Do you want a mani pedi? Do you want to go to that Jonas Brothers concert? Do it. Save money where you can to do things that make you happy. Life is meant to be enjoyed and that can happen within our budget. Rachel Hollis has talked about when she was broke, she would save up to take herself to Subway for a sandwich. That was something she did for herself. It was what she could afford and it was such a treat for her. Whatever that treat is for you, do it.
So many of us struggle with money, including me. Whatever your financial situation is like, starting with a budget is a great first step. You've got to remember that life is meant to be enjoyed, but there are smart ways we can do that. And you have to remember that it is totally okay to do something good for you.
xx,
Amanda
