Search Results for: blog are you consistently overspending in one category

10 Ways to Spend Fun Money

One of the most important keys to having a budget work is to have money set aside for frivolous spending. The amount varies depending on your budget and how tight you are, but that money is a key in helping you stay on budget. It can save you from going crazy and spending even though you do not have money to. You can spend hours thinking about ways to spend the money and decide the best way each month or you can save it for a few months and get a large ticket item. This is money you don’t have … Continue reading →

Are You Getting In Your Own Way When It Comes to Finances?

Are you getting in your own way when it comes to getting out of debt? Your habits or little daily indulgences may be getting in the way of controlling your finances. While you may be frustrated because you have to give up your little or big luxuries, it is important to think about much they are really costing you. If you are constantly worried about your money, then your stress level affects how much you really enjoy your life. You may be costing yourself your peace of mind. You may have to work more, and lose the time that you … Continue reading →

Finacial Pitfalls: The Miscellaneous Category

One area that many people have a difficult time with is the miscellaneous category. This is a category where you tend to put in unexpected expenses. It can be difficult because you may be putting things in this category that do not really belong there. There are several expenses that you should not be putting into the miscellaneous category. Eating out is a common expense that is not planned for and then shuffled into the miscellaneous category. Other entertainment expenses, such as movie tickets, also get put into the miscellaneous category. These optional expenses should be planned for with a … Continue reading →

Money Week in Review June 3-June 18

We have covered several topics in the last few weeks. There are a wide variety of articles available to help you. Favorite Money Savings Tips shares five easy ways to save money. This article covers everything from groceries to gas. You can learn to make the most of your credit cards in Negotiating Credit Card Rewards. Debbie offers some great tips to help you ear better rewards. Have You Considered Downsizing? discusses the changes that you may make in order to live comfortably both now and in the future. This article focuses on why you may change and specific areas … Continue reading →

Are You Consistently Overspending in One Category?

What do you do if you consistently overspend in certain categories in your budget? Well the answer really depends on your situation and the categories that you are overspending on. If your money is tight and you do not have a lot of wiggle room you would take a different approach then someone who does not need to worry too much. You may want to consider raising the amount that you have allotted for that category. Of course to make that work you will need to take money from another category to even it out. If you are putting money … Continue reading →

Five Tips to Help You Stop Using the Credit Cards

Have you told yourself that you need to stop using the credit cards, but find yourself pulling them out anyway? Each month you promise yourself that you are going to start paying back the cards, but then find your balance steadily increasing? Here are five tips to help you stop using those cards. 1) The best way to stop yourself is to stop carrying the cards with you. If you do not feel safe without a credit card (to pay a tow truck or to handle a similar emergency) then carry one with a very small limit, so you will … Continue reading →

List of Budget Categories

Whether you are just getting started on your first budget or taking the time to renew your money management systems, the following list should help you. Often the hardest part of a budget is simply separating your spending into different categories. So grab your checkbook, bank statements and credit card bills, and get started on a budget today. Typical budget categories include: Cash: Have an budget account for miscellaneous cash you take out for little expenditures. This is simpler than trying to keep track of each piece of gum or soda you buy. Childcare or babysitting: If you have kids, … Continue reading →