Advertisements for shopping would have you think that few to none live on budgets, but it's essential to live on a budget if you want to take good care of yourself and your family. It's easy to be swayed away from budgetary living, but it is not wise. With this in mind, how do you live on a budget?
Long Term View
When you have a long term vision for your life and spending, it's easier to live on a budget. For example if you are saving for a house repair, a move, or a special event, it's easier to forgo the dinner out, a new purchase, or present time extravagance.
Simple Pleasures
There are lots of pleasures that are simple such as a walk in the woods, a family game, baking/cooking, making holiday gifts, a shared meal, visit to local museums and places of interest, and projects. Looking for ways to enjoy life that are low cost, healthy, and enjoyable are ways to save money.
Making More Money
Sometimes it pays to get another job. Another job gives you extra dollars and could also be a source of entertainment if you like the work you do. Similarly investing in your current job or career with more education and skill can be a worthwhile short term investment for the long term gain.
Planning Ahead
Often you can save money on hotel reservations, airline tickets, and other entertaining events if you reserve your tickets ahead.
Last Minute Deals
If you have flexibility of time, you might save money as well with last minute deals.
Know What You Want
When you know what you want, you're less likely to spend without good rationale or wise thinking.
For me what's important now is making sure my sons get a college education and that means putting other things on hold for the time being. I believe this is a worthwhile investment. Onward.
Long Term View
When you have a long term vision for your life and spending, it's easier to live on a budget. For example if you are saving for a house repair, a move, or a special event, it's easier to forgo the dinner out, a new purchase, or present time extravagance.
Simple Pleasures
There are lots of pleasures that are simple such as a walk in the woods, a family game, baking/cooking, making holiday gifts, a shared meal, visit to local museums and places of interest, and projects. Looking for ways to enjoy life that are low cost, healthy, and enjoyable are ways to save money.
Making More Money
Sometimes it pays to get another job. Another job gives you extra dollars and could also be a source of entertainment if you like the work you do. Similarly investing in your current job or career with more education and skill can be a worthwhile short term investment for the long term gain.
Planning Ahead
Often you can save money on hotel reservations, airline tickets, and other entertaining events if you reserve your tickets ahead.
Last Minute Deals
If you have flexibility of time, you might save money as well with last minute deals.
Know What You Want
When you know what you want, you're less likely to spend without good rationale or wise thinking.
For me what's important now is making sure my sons get a college education and that means putting other things on hold for the time being. I believe this is a worthwhile investment. Onward.