Most of us can admit that we waste money. While an impulse buy here and there isn’t the end of the world, many people could be doing a lot better where their savings or debt were concerned if they would just stop throwing so much of their money away. Here are a few simple tips that can help.
Whenever you’re thinking about spending money on a “luxury item”, give it at least three days. That is often enough time to let the cooler part of your head prevail if it means that purchase wouldn’t have been a good idea. Some people wait a whole week or even 30 days. If, after that time passes, you still want the item you have in mind, at least you know you’ve thought it through.
No matter what your eating habits, you probably spend way too much money on food. Whether it’s because you go out to eat or don’t eat the food you buy and end up having to throw it out, most people are simply throwing money away where diets are concerned. Speaking of which, learning to eat right can often save you a lot of money on fast food, processed products and other expensive—yet unhealthy—options.
Before you go shopping, whether it’s for groceries, clothes or even something like a single book, be sure you have a list of what you want to buy, the budget you’re allowing yourself and any notes that may remind you not to overspend (e.g. “remember, we don’t need any more sweatshirts”). If you run into a problem where you want something that isn’t on the list, write it down and apply the above method.
Saving your money doesn’t need to be a complicated or challenging practice. Start implementing the above advice and see for yourself.
Source:
http://www.lifehack.org/articles/money/ditch-the-excuses-15-tips-quit-spending-your-money.html
