If you’re like most people, you’ve probably set some big money goals for 2017. If you’re determined to make this year the year you finally sort out your finances and save some money, here are some ways you can meet your goals (without feeling like you’re continually sacrificing fun and relaxation to do so).
Buy for Christmas
I know, I know, it seems crazy to think about preparing for Christmas 2017 already. But if you’re serious about saving money, that includes avoiding the huge December blow out that happens every year while you’re still somehow financially unprepared. If you want to have a truly relaxing Christmas budgeting and planning early will help you ditch the Christmas Eve mad rush and allow you to finally feel in control.
Set up a dedicated savings account for Christmas, and add just a little each week. Just $10 a week will mean almost $500 which can go a long way towards Christmas groceries and trips to see relations.
Another great tip is to make a list of the types of things your kids would want to get for Christmas (keep an ear out through the year when they mention the things they’re hoping to get), and begin buying items while they’re on sale throughout the year. Chris Reily from My Voucher Codes says that Christmas is all about spending tie with your loved ones, and trying to create the perfect Christmas can overshadow this- another reason why you’ll want to prepare early.
Set some Goals
We all would like to save money, but without an actual goal, this is just a vague idea. If you want to save money this year, you’ll need to get serious about exactly how much you want to save and how you’re going to do it. Sit down and figure out how much you’re earning each month, and note down how much you’re saving as well (don’t be embarrassed if this number is 0, you’re not alone). Now look at places you can cut down your expenses. Do you really need subscriptions to Netflix, HBO and Hulu? And when was the last time you actually used that gym pass?
Once you’ve made a list of ways you can cut down your expenses, it’s time to revert this money to a dedicated savings account. Make a goal of how much you’d like to save each month and aim to smash it out of the park- setting yourself the goal to increase this slightly each month will keep you motivated.
Be Productive
If you work for yourself or find yourself feeling frazzled and unorganised through the year, consider stocking up on some new stationary. These include calendars and notebooks which can help you track your financial goals, along with work deadlines, kids playdates and school events. You’ll be surprised by how much money you save when you’re always making your appointments, and the amount of extra time in the day when you’re following a schedule.
Looking for more money saving tips? Check out the post at Sixty Plus Surfers for some great ideas.