5 STEPS TO HEALTHY SPENDING HABITS

Step 2

Analyze your online account statement (four weeks is ideal) to help you determine where your money is going. Most credit unions offer up to the minute transaction information. Review your log without judgment. What you have done, in terms of your spending, does not matter – at least not yet. What does matter is that you get a firm hold on your expenses. For example, how much money do you spend on coffee each week? Dry cleaning? Take out? Movies? You get the idea.

Step 3

Next, write down all sources of income. With a list of your income and expenses in hand determine your priorities. Begin your budgeting process here. Obviously housing and other fixed costs will figure prominently on your priority list. Now, take a look at the conveniences that represent variable expenses. This is likely where you will find room to make changes. For example, if you subscribe to a video service, can you get the two DVD plan instead of the three or eight DVD plan? If you buy coffee each day, can you bring it from home a time or two each week? Or would you be willing to purchase a smaller or otherwise less expensive cup? Can you clip coupons or eat out a little less?

Step 4

Write a budget in pencil. Writing in pencil will help you remember that your budget is a fluid document. As you live with it you will probably need to make changes. That’s okay. You may even want to include a little mad money each month. It is far better to blow a budgeted $20.00 than it is to impulsively fritter away $200.00.

Step 5

Set a savings goal and make it something specific and important. A meaningful savings goal keeps feelings of deprivation away while providing the motivation you will need to stay on track. Be patient with yourself if you do get off track. If it helps, try writing your goals down and posting them or maybe even carrying a picture that represents your goal. Refer to these as often as you need. It may also be useful to try to determine what emotional need your spending fills for you and look for another way to get your needs met. Remember, developing a new habit takes practice. In time you may even learn to love your new healthy spending habits. It is liberating to be in control of your finances. So, go ahead, clip those coupons. Write your budget and honor your savings goal. That (insert your goal here) can be in your future if you decide to make it happen.

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