Budgeting is the best way to monitor your finances and be sure that you’re not spending more money than you make. If you’re working on paying off debt, or if you’d like to find ways to save more money, a budget will allow you to see exactly where all of your money is going, and how you can change spending habits to meet your current needs.
Education
School Supply Savings
We’re well into August now, which means back-to-school commercials and ads are EVERYWHERE!
8 Ways To Keep Cool For Less
Summer is by far my favorite season! I’d much rather be sweating my buns off than freezing under layers of clothing and blankets. I grew up without air conditioning, and neither our old apartment or our new house had central air, so I’ve always had to find creative ways to keep cool on the cheap. You don’t need to spend a fortune to beat the heat! Check out some of the tips below to stay cool this season…
1. Use floor or ceiling fans. Fans cost a lot less than air conditioning units, and are often portable, so you can move them from room to room as you need them. They’re great for circulating the air in your house!
2. Open your windows at night. I actually prefer this to sleeping with an air conditioner on. Not only will a breeze keep you cooler, but it’ll help your house smell fresher. We spend most of the year couped up inside the house, so I love to bring a little of the outdoors inside. Using a window fan through the night will keep you even cooler!
3. Keep shades and curtains drawn when it’s sunny. You’d be surprised how fast sun shining through a window can heat up a room. You can also purchase room-darkening curtains that are designed to keep the heat out and the cool air in.
4. Avoid excessive use of appliances. Nothing heats up the back of our house faster than using the oven. In the summer, I try to stick to lighter meals that require little use of the oven or stove to reduce the amount of heat they give off.
5. Change your bedding. It never fails – no matter how hot I feel when I go to bed at night, I always wake up with blankets on. Your body naturally cools itself as you sleep, so it’s normal to yank them up over you without even realizing it. To avoid waking up a sweaty mess, choose sheets that are light and breathable. Switch out your heavy comforter for a lighter-weight quilt.
6. Wear lighter clothes. I had to convince my husband that there was such thing as a “summer wardrobe.” Wearing looser clothing made of lighter materials will keep you much cooler than heavy knits, and it can make all the difference. Choose shirts without sleeves and shorts instead of pants when appropriate.
7. Tame your mane. Opt for a shorter hairstyle or stylish ponytails in the summer so it isn’t trapping the heat by your neck.
8. Treat yourself! Cool treats and icy beverages can help to bring your body temperature down. What better way to beat the heat than with a bowl of ice cream or a frozen margarita?
How do you keep cool without spending a fortune? Share your summer tips with us!
Save Money While Dining Out
When I try to cut costs down, the “Entertainment” section of my budget is usually the first to go. We allocate money for things like going out to dinner or having drinks with friends, but nights like these are at the bottom of our financial priority list. Not only will eating at home save you money, but it’ll also keep you healthier. However, despite my best intentions, I sometimes find myself too tired or too short on time to cook after a long day at work. It can be a great relief to have someone else do all of the work, not to mention enjoyable, but how can you be sure you’re not living beyond your means? There are smarter ways to dine out and still have fun (and relax!), all while saving money. Check out a few of the tips below the next time you head out to eat…
1. Budget it in! You’re less likely to overspend if you’ve already set aside funds just for going out to eat. If trying new restaurants and dining out with friends is something you truly love doing, see how you can fit it into your monthly expenses. Are there other areas of your budget where you can trim costs?
2. Be conscious of portion sizes. Meals served in restaurants are often a lot larger than what we would serve ourselves at home. Consider splitting an entree (and the bill!) with a friend. You could also split your meal in half and save a portion for lunch the next day, eliminating the need to dine out two days in a row. Other great options to consider are the appetizer and “lighter fare” sections of the menu, which generally offer smaller portions for less money.
3. Reconsider your beverage choices. I used to always order a glass of soda with meals, and breaking that habit was incredibly hard. After a few months of growing accustomed to drinking water with dinner, I realized that it wasn’t just better for my health, it was also better for my wallet! Be aware of the alcohol you consume with meals as well, as adult beverages are what really drive your bill up. Limit yourself to one or two drinks, or better yet, look for restaurants that are BYOB!
4. Check for deals. Many restaurants promote deals or special offers through discount sites like Groupon or LivingSocial. Check for coupons or vouchers online before you head out to eat! This is also a great way to try new places without spending a fortune, especially if you’re not sure how much you’ll like it. Also be aware of nightly specials and promotions (i.e. half-off appetizers during Happy Hour, 25-cent Wing Night, etc.). It’s a good idea to skim over a restaurant’s website to see what they have on their calendar.
5. Dine at off-times. We’re big fans of the Early Bird Special. Since we get up so early every day, we find ourselves ready for dinner earlier than most other people. Some restaurants offer deals if you dine with them after the lunch rush or before dinnertime. You’ll save a little extra money AND beat the crowds!
How often do you dine out? Do you find it unavoidable? What are some of the other tricks you use to avoid overspending when you go out to eat?
Why We Have Emergency Savings
What would you do if you found yourself in an unthinkable situation? One of the most important things to save for is an emergency, whatever that may be to you.
Mistakes to Avoid When Paying Off Student Debt
I don’t think young adults really think about student debt until after graduation, when repayment rears its ugly head. I had no idea what I’d be tied to for the next 10 years of my life. I’ve officially made it halfway to the end, but it’s still something I think about all of the time.
Festively Frugal: Let’s Celebrate the Fourth!
I love any occasion that calls for food, family, friends, and fireworks, so the Fourth of July is pretty high up on my list of favorite holidays.
Let’s Refresh: What’s The Point of Budgeting?
I’ve become so used to budgeting that I sometimes forget that it doesn’t come easily for everyone.
100 Ways to Save
In honor of my 100th budgeting blog post, I wanted to share 50 quick tips for saving or making a little extra cash.
What Are You Saving For?
One of the only confusing things about saving money is figuring out what in the world you actually need to save for. How do you know how much money you need and what do you do with it?
