How to Find Sanity in Your Monthly Budget

It’s the new year and your budget is already blown. Don’t fret as you are no alone. There are some tips i have learned over the years that helps me to keep my sanity even once I have blown the budget.  First you must remember each month is a new budget and fresh start. If you blew it last month that’s ok,  lets work on this month.  Here are 3 tips I have to help you keep your sanity and find it again in your monthly budget.

Budget Tip 1

Find your hidden cash. Did you know as Americans many of us have hundreds of dollars sitting in our garage or closets. Now I am not talking about finding that old antique worth millions. I am talking about things that we used to use or bought with the intention to use it but never did. My challenge to you is if you haven’t used it in 6 months sell it (with the exception of Holiday decorations ;)). You would be surprised what people will pay for gently used items. These days it’s easy to sell your stuff, join and online garage sale group or just use Facebook’s Marketplace. List your items and wait for people to message you to come get them and pay you cash! This will help to recoup the blown budget or save for future adventures.

Budget Tip 2

Use Coupons. I know many of us think of our granny pulling out the Sunday paper and scissors when we think of coupons, but couponing has changed. Don’t get me wrong some of the best coupons still come in the Sunday paper, but in 2019 Coupons can be had via your computer online, via apps on your smartphone or even in store. Many stores you shop at will have a rewards app that includes coupons or offers to help you save, signup most are completely free and will save you a bundle. A few apps you should checkout to save in store are Ibotta, Savingstar, or Fetch Rewards. All of these can be found in your smartphone app store and will help you save! Most you will just scan your receipt and get money back for certain items you have purchased.

Budget Tip 3

Plan ahead. Make a plan and stick to it, even when you don’t want to. I know but how do we find time to make that plan? Yes it takes time to develop a plan, but once I have that plan and I stick to it for meals, I find that i end up spending less on quick on the go meals. Don’t get me wrong I still buy that occasional Bar or Hershey’s Chocolate at the checkout line, every girl has her weakness ;). So start with a plan and make a list and by doing this you will save more. I do my plans weekly for groceries, lunches, even fun trips. I have found that as the more time I take to plan up front the less time and money $$$ is wasted.

 

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