Many people equate “savings” with deprivation. They imagine that if they are saving to build an emergency fund or are trying to pay down personal loans, payday loans, credit cards and debt, their life will be no fun until they pay off everything. This is just not the case. You can still enjoy yourself while saving a lot of money with these tips:

1) Keep your budget flexible. Many people learn to hate budgets because they imagine that they will need to account for every penny. This is not so. Into your budget, work in some “miscellaneous” or “walking around money” for those unexpected or unplanned fun things.

2) Treat yourself to things you really love. Most of us spend a lot of money on what we don’t need and what we don’t love. Getting rid of most or some of these things is one way to save up a lot. However, you should not deprive yourself of things that make life a joy. If you hate cafeteria food at your workplace, brown bag your lunch. But don’t cut out a monthly lunch date with friends if you love that.

3) Plan for and get excited about long-term buys. Many of us think short-term pleasure (a new gadget) rather than long-term bliss (early retirement or a dream house). This makes saving harder than it has to be. Every day, picture your long term goals and how you will live when your finances are in control. Put pictures of your “new: lifestyle where you will see them each day, and all those little expenses now won’t be as tempting.

4) Get creative about fun things that don’t hurt your budget. Many people assume that there is nothing to “do” when one is saving, so make it a creative project to still have fun while saving money. Look in your newspaper for free, fun activities in your community or invite friends over for a potluck rather than meeting out. Make it a challenge to find more affordable ways to do the things you like.

Similar Posts:

Share