You are planning to spend your money carefully. You have never, however, planned how best to save the hard earned money. Shopping for sales, shortening corners, saving energy and vouchers are positive steps in the right direction, but with careful planning and organized thinking you can expand your dollar even further.
First, pay for yourself. First of all, first of all. Check yourself if you have to keep track of yourself. You can even have a portion of your check deposited directly into your savings account so you never miss it. Make part of it savings and some into a retirement plan for shorter-term goals. Compare interest rates for different financial institutions to get the highest bang for your buck.
Be careful where your money goes. Develop a tablet or other method to visibly track where your money goes every month. The bigger bills, such as mortgage and car payments, are probably easy to remember, but you can easily lose track of your incidental spending. You might be amazed at how much you spend each month on movies, eating, video rentals, and spending a little money on kids. You can find ways to save a few dollars here and there, which can save a lot quickly every month.
Creating and adhering to a realistic budget. Once you've taken care of your money, you'll find out where to cut corners and adjust your budget accordingly. Living under the parameters of an advanced budget with some commitment and some lifestyle adjustments is really quite simple.
Look for fun and cost-effective ways to entertain your family. You can usually purchase videos from your local library at little or no cost, and outdoor activities are good not only for your family, but also for everyone.