10 Tips on How to Spend Less Money Than You Make

When people talk about saving money, they usually say that the recipe is very easy – you just need to spend less than you make. It sounds so simple, doesn’t it? However, the real situation for most people is that the more they make the more they spend. So, how can you then spend less than you make?

To tell you the truth, this is not actually that hard to achieve. You will need to follow certain rules, but it’s not like you have to bend over backwards. It all comes down to this.

1. You Have to Want It

Ok, let me be clear on one thing – not a lot of things in your life will happen all by themselves. In order to achieve something you first and foremost really have to want it. The greater your will, the easier it will be for you to achieve whatever you want.

Same goes for spending less money than you make. You need to look at yourself in the mirror and tell yourself that from this day on you’ll have some money left over from your every paycheck. When you realize that you really want it, here’s what you need to do about it.

2. Make a Difference between Your Wants and Your Needs

There are things you really need and there are things you simply want. If you’re used to having them all, it will probably be hard to give up some of them, but if it has to be done, then it has to be done.

You can’t survive without home, food, water, electricity and clothes. Everything else is basically a thing you just want. Satellite TV, new car, eating out and the latest smart phone are things that only show your standard, but you can survive without them. I’m sorry, but if your financial situation is really bad, you’ll need to back down a bit and give up some luxury.

3. Grab Every Chance to Save

Forget about giving huge tips and not getting your change. Every buck you save counts, so grab every chance to save.

If you can for example get a discount for paying your bills a couple of days earlier, don’t be lazy and go pay them. No matter how small the discount could be, it still counts. Track the sales in the stores and buy the things you need when they are on sale.

4. Forget about Checks and Credit Cards

Blonde calculating bills

No better way to spend less than you make then to cancel your credit cards and stop using checks. Even if this alone doesn’t help you, it will surely stop you to spend more than you make, because you won’t have a chance for something like that. Pay with cash only.

5. Watch out for Your Weaknesses

Every girl has a weakness and these weaknesses usually take a lot of our money. No matter if your obsessions are shoes, tops or jewelry, you’ll really need to watch out how much money you spend on this.

The best idea is to set boundaries for yourself. For example, promise that you will not buy more than three pairs of shoes a year. No matter what, stick to this promise.

6. Be Creative

An old top can be transformed into a new one. And old sofa can be reupholstered instead of buying a new one. A gift for someone could be handmade instead of bought.

Let your imagination flow and be creative – you will surely save. And who knows, maybe you realize that there’s a hidden talent somewhere inside of you that could even earn you some extra money.

7. Don’t Fall for Commercials

Woman Watching Old TV

Commercials are designed to make you spend more. Always remember this when you want to buy something just because the commercial looked so good. So, instead of buying it, rather ask if someone you know has already tried that product and what their impressions are. If you want to buy a new face cream – ask for some samples first, before you go ahead and spend money on something that might give you an allergy.

8. Save for Rainy Days

We all hope that rainy days will never come, but saving for them is more than just a good idea. You never know what might happen. So, start saving for rainy days and don’t touch this money unless you really, truly have to. Start a savings account rather than keeping that money at home – that way you’ll even earn more from interest.

9. Exercise

women exercises with pilates ball

Now, this will probably sound quite stupid to you, but if you want to spend less than you make, start exercising. Studies have shown that people who exercise or are engaged in any type of sport, tend to spend less than those who don’t. It probably has something to do with the ability to organize yourself, your time and in the end your expenses. Plus, it’s good for your health and your looks as well.

10. Track Your Expenses

Write down absolutely every dollar you spend. At the end of the month, check what you spent your money on and if there is something you could give up next month. I guarantee that if you do this, you’ll be able to spend less each month. It’s worth a try, isn’t it?

So, you see – spending less money that you make is not impossible. Sure, you’ll have to change your lifestyle a bit and be willing for some extra efforts, but the reward is really big. Try these tips and tell me if they worked for you.

About the author

Sarah

I’m a free spirit who likes to travel, cook and fly. Licensed paraglider pilot, I spend all my spare time flying. In the meantime, I like to share my recipes and travel experiences.

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