Wise Spending

Spend Wisely & Keep Out of Debt

We love shopping. It is ok to buy some nice things. We deserve a few moments of small happiness.

However, going overboard will result in stress and piles of bills.

Be Smart! Don't forget your goals and dreams

That's when wise spending makes the difference. Controlling what you spend gives you more opportunities to save. Getting your savings system set up, will reflect on your spending habits as well. We want to share some ideas on Wise Spending.

Controlled Spending

Spending wisely first involves making it a habit to reconsider impulsive spending when compelled to purchase 'not on the list' items. Impulsiveness and carelessness are not wise, wisdom cultivates thoughtfulness and self-control in our spending habits and most other areas of our lives. Learning to carefully consider purchases is an important step towards financial freedom and reducing money-related stress.

The things we spend money on basically fit into a two-stage system. The first thing to do is figure out if it is a needed item or a wanted item. Obviously need is important and want isn't so much. The next way to categorize expenses is one of three cost-categories: fixed costs, variable costs, and discretionary costs.

Learn more about these expense categories in Budgeting Basics.

How to Control Your Spending.

Here's where Budgeting plays an essential part. You can choose between different methods, but keep tracking your money and your purchases. They are the first priority.

Digital Version: Using a digital program allows you to check quickly how much there is in your budget. You can set a spending limit and track your development. Besides, it's fast, easy to access with your phone and you don't need to worry about cash withdrawals.

Manual Method (Envelope System): Many people resort to this method because it is an excellent way to stay under budget. It simply consists of getting enough cash to last around two weeks. Take the cash home and put the cash into a series of containers that equate to the budget categories that have variable spending. When shopping, take just enough to do the planned shopping and no more. That way there is less chance to overspend. Once the funds are spent then nothing else can be spent on that category until the next paycheck period comes up. You can juggle the amounts a bit, however, the total cash can't be exceeded.

General Wise Spending Tips:

• Compare, always: when you plan to buy an item, check out various retailers online for product ratings, reviews, and price comparisons. A local retailer might mean you get the item faster, wise spending often means being willing to wait for the desired item if you can get it at a better price elsewhere. 
• Coupon savings: really do add up, watch for coupons and special offers for items that are on your lists and budgeted for. 
• Prioritize purchases: If the desired item isn't required immediately, move it to a separate shopping list and wait for sales, coupons, and special offers to save you money when you do purchase it. 
• Fight Temptation: Avoid buying stuff' just for the thrill of immediate gratification. Your bank balance usually suffers for it and the sensation of happiness that retail therapy can impart for a very short period of time usually gives way to lingering feelings of regret shortly after.
• Use Credit Cards wisely: A credit card can be convenient but only if the cost can be covered when the bill arrives, otherwise it is an impediment in your life and financial well-being. 

Remember to ask yourself: Do I really need it? ++(Katja to put in a box)++

Impulse Spending

Most retail stores are designed to encourage impulse spending. They'll have extra colorful little snacks and knick-knacks around the counter where you wait to pay, idly adding one more thing to your basket with barely a thought. Everywhere we go in any urban center the sparkling and enticing calls to buy this or that beckon to us, and with glittering eyes, we impulsively purchase things we really don't need. While impulsive spending does its part to keep the economy going, on the downside impulsive spending adds up for individuals, getting in the way of their dreams and goals and often keeping them mired in financial stress and debts. Practice conquering this tendency towards impulsive spending if it's a problem for you.

Challenge Yourself: Go into a mall for one little thing, and only buy that thing, no matter how enticing other things seem to be, then pat yourself on the back for sticking to your guns! Bad spending habits are really hard to break but the rewards are worth it...literally!

Spending Mistakes by Those On Lower Budgets

For people that are on tighter budgets, spending mistakes can have more devastating effects on their goals and quality of life. If you have less financial breathing room, you may want to look at common spending mistakes made by those on lower budgets. If you can improve your spending habits you may well give yourself more financial breathing room and even realize some of your dreams and goals. Here are some of those common mistakes:

Over-spending on basics: buying an expensive version when a generic or ordinary version would do, or buying small quantities when bulk would get you far more value 

Easy Credit: Be aware of plastic money: credit cards shouldn't be used to fix spending issues. They create interest payments which is lost money!

Indulging in Pleasure of Spending: It sure feels good to buy things but as we mentioned earlier, even millionaires can spend their way to bankruptcy. If you're low income, it's even more important to find sources of pleasure that don't hinder your overall quality of life by perpetuating financial stress just for quick fixes of instant gratification. Financial stress and worries are terrible prices to pay for the fleeting thrills of spending beyond your means.

Sales Temptation: Being too easily tempted by deals such as low-interest rates, 'Black Fridays' and other shopping events. Just because it seems to be a good deal doesn't mean you should spend your money or go into debt for it. Remember to ask: "Do I really need it?"

Keeping Up with the Jones's: Being susceptible to peer pressure. Don't compare yourself to others materialistically, and don't overspend in order to try to measure up to others. 

Families with Children: often operate on tighter budgets. Parents--with all the best intentions--want to take their kids to the expensive fairground, to buy their kids the latest electronic gadgets, or get the latest trendy thing that all their friends seem to have.

If those expenditures are your priorities and you can carefully budget for them without going into debt, that's fantastic. But let's say you'd really like to go on a vacation which seems like an unattainable dream.

It is possible that the family is spending funds poorly and therefore not savings enough. However, the situation can be turned around.

There are low-income families that travel the world together, but they live extremely frugally in most other areas of their lives, often intentionally adopting a frugal lifestyle. If you learn to control your spending, stay out of debt, make saving first a habit, and follow a proper budget closely you can realize bigger goals and dreams than you may think from your present circumstances. Learning self-control where spending is concerned is almost always one of the most important steps to start with. 

So, are you ready to start controlling your money and get smarter with Savings?

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