How do I stop overspending and stay on a budget?

Answer 1

Step 1: WRITE a budget. It is impossible to stick to a budget until you HAVE a budget.

Step 2: Write the name of each budget category on an envelope. Put CASH in the envelope in the amount you budgeted for that category.

Step 3: Buy EVERYTHING in that category form the envelope. Buy NOTHING outside the category from the envelope.

Step 4: When the envelope is empty, YOU ARE DONE spending for the month.

Your BEHAVIOR is the issue, a 3rd grader could do the math.

Answer 2

Several of your earlier answers are good ones you may want to consider to use. I am just going to add a few new ones for you. Go to your local library and check out a couple of books about budget basics, or managing money. They will have several good ideas on where to start and they will probably have some sample worksheets you can make for yourself. Do not carry a lot of money or all of your credit cards. This will cut down on impulse buying. Only shop when you need things and stick to a list. Stay home more, eat at home more (reduce the times you eat out). Brown-bag to work more. Cut down on the specialty coffee and snacks. Do not charge anything for Christmas this year. Either reduce or cut out gift giving for any occasion throughout the entire year. Take small steps and work up. You should definitely have a budget plan and make adjustments as necessary. Do you know your tax situation? Taxes is not rocket science. For instance, do you get big tax refunds? If you do, you may have too much money taken out. Wouldn't you rather have more money available to you throughout the year rather than receive one big refund? I do. I happy just to break even with the IRS and the state as long as I do not have to pay any additional taxes. Good Luck.

Answer 3

Sit down and figure up all your bills. Include everything into the budget, gas, rent, lights, insurance, food, smokes etc... Figure out how much extra money you have each month. Start carrying a piece of paper with you and write down everytime you buy something. make a goal on what you can spend each week. When you go to the store have wrote down what you are going to make for the week and buy just those things. Remember you also need to be saving some money too for retirement and a 3-6 month emergancy fund. Best of luck to you.

Answer 4

Try using only cash for purchases. When you can visibly see the money...actual green money and not a credit card or a check going to the cashier it hurts more. Put aside all the money you'll need for all your monthly bills and then see what is left. You should be able to set aside at least 20% into savings before you go on spending sprees too.

Answer 5

u must learn to budget your money first spend only what you can in other words stop spending on things you want start concentrating on things you need remember needs come first always spend on needs becuase its needs not wants .start putting aside money in a bank for later emergencies put yourself on a budget plan better.

Answer 6

make cash purchases only. Statistically, you spend 30% more when you use checks or credit cards.