Real saving and spending
This is where you prove that you really want to succeed financially. You have to show real fortitude and follow the premises of budgeting.
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1. Emphasize Saving First
Start your Savings First plans to cover your emergency pot, your bucket list of future projects and goodies and of course your retirement. Put your savings away first and keep them safe. Learn to invest safely. Spend with thought and care so you can save more. It becomes somewhat intuitive after awhile.
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2. Emphasize Spending Wisely - this leads to better savings.
One way to think about your purchases is like this: how many hours of working is each item equal to?
One hour of wages? Is this item/experience the equivalent of four hours of wages? Is its equivalent to an unjustifiable amount of working hours.
Remember, everything you buy equals labour, your labourSpend within your limits - Always!
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3. Remember to use your Budget
Your budget will remind you what and how much you're trying to save for. Watching your savings grow is important. It helps you keep your savings on track. It will also help remind you why you need to spend wisely and keep out of debt.
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4. Control Debt and keep out of Bad Debt
Never take on debt that you can't service (pay off) or take it on for a foolish reason. Constantly remind yourself how bad debt ruins savings and spending. Zero bad debt helps your sleep better at night.
If you can focus on and remember these four concepts, you'll do well.