Going overboard with your finances is not hard to accomplish. Experts have said that the average American family owes $7,500 in credit card debt. If that were not enough, many people now owe more than their home is even worth. But alas, all is not lost. A budget can be implemented at any time, so pull up a chair, gather your bills and let’s get started.
The first thing is to figure out what you have to pay and what you have coming in. Once you have sorted through the bills, organize them into groups of what has to be paid such as the utilities, mortgage, rent, loans and credit cards.
If you cannot afford the electric or fuel bill, call the companies. Most of the companies now offer a monthly budget plan in which you would only be required to pay around half of the bill, and then they will bill you the balance over the next few months. In regards to credit cards, you can pay the minimum until you get through the first month. Then move on to the weekly expenses such as food and gas.
If you have really stretched the family budget to the limit (as many of us do), then you will have to forego the extras for a month or two. Bring your lunch to work, have your coffee at home and stay in at night. Recovering will not take that long since there is a lot of money to be saved daily just by doing the few items above.
When it comes to food shopping, make a list that includes planned out meals for the week. You will be surprised how much it will save you when you stick to the list and plan your meals. Use coupons to further your savings. Consider making a few casseroles each week as they can easily make two meals for you and your family.
At home, lower the temperature on the furnace, both when not at home and before going to bed. If you have not already replaced the old light bulbs with the new energy efficient bulbs, do so – they are a real money saver. Turn off appliances when not in use or unplug them to really see your utility bills decrease.
Many families go overboard with their budgets, not realizing that there are simple tips to rein in your expenses. By utilizing some of the above advice, you will be amazed at how much money you can save. Be smart and put that extra money away for a rainy day.
How are you reining in expenses to get your budget back on track? Let us know in the comments.
That’s it for now. Until next time Divas, wear your heels well and be blessed!
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My husband and I have a couple of simple tips we use— we just keep one credit card for emergency use, and try to keep the balance very low or at zero. The other thing we do is try and stay out of stores– period. We find making one shopping trip each week, and then staying away until the next one works so much better for our finances. Of course, we have to make a list to make sure we don’t forget anything important. It’s those little unplanned trips that end up costing a bunch– you stop for bread, and next thing you know the cart is full.
Great tips here Kelli. And so achievable. Like Denise says…..stay away from the shops. Temptation is too easy to succumb to. Make many lists and only buy what you need. We have cleared our credit card – have it only for emergencies. Of course this is a lot easier to achieve if your family no longer lives with you….