Managing and keeping a budget on track is not an easy task, especially when you think of the many other things busy moms need to also track. However, when you do manage your finances well, you keep your family as a whole on track as well.
Image credit: Stuart Miles | FreeDigitalPhotos.net
With everyone looking to find ways to not only make more money but also conserve what they currently make, being savvy with your money is a hot topic right now. This article covers a few good tips on how moms can do just that – keep their budget on track. Read on.
1. Scale back
Sometimes, the simplest ideas escape us. Many times, we go looking for scientific explanations and fail to realize that the answer all along was as simple as pie. In this case, we are referring to scaling back expenses to improve the budget.
Say, you currently visit the nail salon every week to get your manicure and pedicure and have been doing so for the past 10 years. Guess what? This might be an expense that can easily help with trimming the monthly bills and one that could easily be cut.
For now.
This isn’t forever.
Think of it as a temporary vacation from the nail salon. Once you adapt the mentality that the cuts are temporary, they’ll be easier to make and adhere to. Think of a few monthly or weekly expenditures that can go, and let them go. Just say goodbye, for now.
2. Reuse
Another old standby that many families have been using since the beginning of time is the practice of reusing. However, with the advent of the green movement, reusing has taken on a whole new meaning and a whole new level of dedication by some very enterprising women.
Have you heard of the family in Chicago who reuse banana peels to whiten their teeth? Or the family in New York who reuse Pringles cans as pen/pencil holders?
You might be amazed and pleasantly surprised at the number of things you have right now in your home that you can reuse if you simply learn of the multiple use of items. When you do this, you’ll see things in a whole new light – the eco light. Not to mention, the bundle of money you’ll save as well.
3. Use technology
We love to use technology for anything and everything we can. Why not too for our household budget? Have you heard of the Mint.com smartphone app or the Impulse Save app? These are both just a handful of apps that help you save, manage and/or track your personal finances.
For example, Impulse Save is a neat app that you download to your iPhone or Android device and allows you to make on-the-go quick deposits to any savings account you declare. The reason this app scores high points in our book is its ease of use and concept. The whole concept of this app is that it facilitates quick and easy deposits. On the go, no fuss, no muss.
Use technology to work for you and not against you. Simply think of the many ways it can help.
Final word
It’s not an easy task to manage a family budget. However, it can be done and done well. It can maybe even be fun. Try our tips and tricks above, and soon, you’ll be on your way to financial nirvana. It’s never too early or too late to get on the road to financial recovery.
This guest post comes from Missy Diaz who writes for http://www.expertinsurancereviews.com – an easy online insurance quotes portal.
CMO Editorial Staff
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I am not so good at staying track on my budget. It is still a learning process for me until now.
frugalexpat recently posted…Guest Post: How to Save Money on Travel Costs
Indeed, you’re correct, Frugal. Budgeting is a dynamic process, as I see it. 🙂
Maricel Rivera recently posted…4 Surefire Ways for Students to Save More