Life is too short to not have the coffee, the haircut, and the dress you want! Living life king size is never a bad thing – only if you don’t break your bank for it! The good news is, that you can live your best life on a budget! All you need is some smart planning and wise spending to own everything you desire without compromising on your savings! We have put together seven simple ways you can champion your lifestyle without loosening your purse strings! Read on to discover what lies between you and your best self.
Set Up A Monthly Expenses Tally
A basic principle of accounting involves factoring in the losses or expenses before they arise. Extend this principle to your life by factoring in expenses as soon as you receive your salary. Earmark funds towards recurring expenses such as tuition, rent, electricity, salaries, etc. This helps you arrive at a disposable income that can further be used for investments and savings. A portion of your disposable income can be used on lifestyle, luxury, and self-indulgence. This helps you plan purchases better and not overshoot your disposable income cap in any given month. Don’t forget to factor in taxes that accrue towards the end of the financial year. Ensure you set aside some money every month to pay for yearly taxes without facing financial hardship when it’s time to meet your tax dues.
Stock Up Savings First
Do not save what is left after spending, instead spend what is left after saving. We couldn’t agree with that quote more! Inculcate the habit of budgeting and stashing away a sizeable chunk of your income periodically. If you are new to the idea of budgeting, access a reliable beginner’s guide to budgeting to help you learn the basics of this all-important life skill! Invest wisely so your money earns more money for you. Channelize your savings into various investments so you have a well-diversified basket of investments with a healthy risk and return. Account for monthly expenses such as rent, electricity, groceries, gas, and more. Only after you have provided for all of these buckets can you consider spending whatever is left. This way, you know you have a safety net in case of any emergency, while you enjoy your disposable income to live the life you envision.
Look For Great Online Coupons
What’s not to love about bagging products at discounted prices? Whether it is groceries, apparel, accessories, or homeware, online coupons help you crack a sweet deal on all consumer goods! Ensure you get on a reputable coupon platform to bag exclusive deals on leading brands and websites. DontPayFull is a leading coupon business that has been offering appealing and valuable discount coupons on leading websites and brands across the globe. Established in 2012, DontPayFull is a preferred coupon provider for shoppers looking to bite into the juiciest deals. Regularly scan through the website to access coupons that match your spending bucket and meet your requirements. A reputable platform such as DontPayFull ensures you have your cake and eat it too!
Scout Local Markets
Not everything that’s appealing and elegant is expensive. There are high chances of finding hidden gems in regional markets. All it requires is a little research and some patient searching. Local markets are hidden treasures for various items that you can buy at throwaway prices. This includes homeware, artifacts, fabrics, apparel, cutlery, and more. These markets are also great to build your negotiating skills and strike a good deal. What’s more, these markets help you get your hands on exclusive and unique items that you may not find in upmarket stores. By shopping in local markets, you’re also supporting local vendors and artisans. It is a win-win situation for you and for these local stores!
Negotiate When You Can
Now we know that this trick cannot be flexed often. But, in some situations being a hard negotiator can help you a great deal. We don’t mean negotiating at retail stores, grocery vendors, or public services. Save your negotiation skills for situations where it can pay off. This includes that upcoming architect you’re about to hire or that neighborhood deep cleaning service you’re regular with. Negotiating doesn’t necessarily mean haggling for a price drop. It can also be the skill of trying to get the best for the price you may. Read: a complimentary couch wash or free cushion covers never hurt anyone!
Shop Non-Perishables in Sales
Practice forward-thinking and plan your purchases wisely. This can help you stick to your budget and avoid impulsive shopping. Every time you think you need a gadget upgrade, some running shoes, or even just new workwear, resist the urge to go shopping in a jiffy. Instead, maintain a list of everything you want to buy. Visit this list every fortnight to check whether that urge was actually a necessity or simply just a whim. If you are still convinced about making that purchase, watch out for seasonal discounts. Black Friday sales, Christmas discounts, and new launches causing a price drop in current products are all great ways to save on the asking price of products. Practice this kind of planning for all non-perishable requirements and watch how you buy only what you need – and at the best possible price!
Plan Meals At Home
A great way to stick to a budget is to plan at-home meals. Craving for some Lebanese kibbeh or Spanish tapas? Waiting to dig into some sinful chocolate pudding? Hit a search for the recipes from some acclaimed chefs and dice up your treats at home. Not only are you going to spend a fraction of the cost of eating gourmet food at home, but you can also make a fancy cooking bucket list with impressive dinners! This way, you become a well-read and well-fed food enthusiast with knowledge of the actual ingredients and approach to cuisines – all without loosening your purse strings!
Financial prudence and planning go hand in hand with a successful land sustainable lifestyle. The next time you find yourself on the brink of binge shopping, use the above hacks to recalibrate your expenses and spend wisely!
