Out of debt finally, but now how to budget and learn to save?

Question

It's been years and finally we are not carrying debt. I know the next step is to learn how to budget better and save for big things like a house. Right now, our credit is good, we use one credit card which is paid every month, but my husband and I seem to charge a lot. This is money I know we could use to save for a house. I'd say most of the time we buy stuff we really don't need. How do we learn how to cut the fat out of our lives and save for the things we really do want? How can I get my husband on the same page? Thanks.

Answer 1

First off, don't use the credit card. If you can't afford to pay cash for it, don't get it until you have enough.

Write out a budget together that you both agree on and review it monthly and stick to it. Every dollar should have a name on paper.

Make sure you have 3 to 6 months of your income saved up for emergencies. Then start saving for a house.

Answer 2

The first step is to pay yourself first.

One way is to set up an onlien account with INGdirect or some other online banking company. They usually pay a very large interest with no minimum deposit.

Set up a an ongoing direct deposit. Either directly out of your paycheck or automatic monthly or biweekly transfers.

Start out with $50 every two weeks, adjust your spending to the new level, every time you get a raise... increase the automatic deposit. You will be surprised how quickly you adjust your spending habits to what appears as your income level. If you never see the money hit your checking account, you won't miss it.

Answer 3

Just move whatever amount you were paying for debt into a savings account 2 minutes after it enters the bank .
As long as it is Not in your checking , don't touch it .
Move it to ING , or Citi eSavings and eventually some to a broker .
Once it has disappeared into the savings ,
You should Not think of it as spending $$$$ .

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