Budget? What budget?

Budget. I still cringe when I hear that word. But after breaking it down and using one, it is not as bad as it seems. It is almost like a game, instead of "Who wants to be a millionaire?" I find it more interesting to view it as "How much can I save this month?" Budgeting is often misconstrued as doing without, penny pinching, and being a cheapskate. I'm here to let you know that there is another side to budgeting. I call it a map. Essentially all a budget is, is a detailed list of where your money is going, hence the word map. I like to think of it as a "money map" if you will. There are several ways that you can "map" where your money is going:

-Call credit cards companies and ask for a rate reduction.

During these times, credit card companies want your business, even if you're paying the minimum. Call to let them know that you received a better offer on another card and want to know if they can match it. They will usually match it or get you a lower rate. It never hurts to ask.

-Shop with a list (and stick to it)

Every one knows what an impulse buy is but do we take heed to steer clear of it? Be warned, stores spend a small fortune studying ways of making us part with more of our money than we would otherwise intend to. Have you ever wondered why your favorite song is playing in the background as you navigate the aisles? Possibly not, but you will have noticed at the checkout that the bill is often more than expected. To circumvent this, simply make a shopping list. Only buy what you need. Be smart and shop on the low and high shelves, most expensive brands are at eye level.

Always check your bank and card statements, restaurant and phone bills and bank receipts. Those extras you never received at the restaurant, the bank charges, could be costing you a fortune - and if you don't check you won't know. I caught a $22 charge last month that my bank was charging me to transfer funds to my savings to checking account. Unbelievable!

-Stop trying to keep up with the Joneses,the Smiths, and the Trumps

Trying to keep up appearances is little more than a costly illness. Remember, you cannot judge someone by what they have because you don't know how they got it. Chances are they're in more debt than you are.

How much will it cost you? Whenever you make a purchase, calculate how many working hours it would take to make the purchase

For example, a $ 100 pair of jeans is looked at in a completely different light if you get paid $10 an hour and would have to work for 10 hours to earn the money to purchase the jeans. Suddenly, the $20 pair looks really good. If you don't mind working the 10 hours for 1 pair of jeans, I say go for it!

But if you can get 1 pair of jeans for only a quarter of your work day, plus some earrings to match, I say the deal is in the $20 pair of jeans!

This tip makes you stop and think about how badly you need this item, or if it can be found somewhere else cheaper. It also cuts down greatly on impulse purchases.

-Allow yourself "Fun Money".

Give yourself room for fun and entertainment. But don't go overboard, if you have set your budget for $20 a week for eating out. This could equate to 2 $10 meals, 4 Happy Meals or one good dinner at the local Steakhouse, the choice is yours but the goal is to stick to it. This ultimately may mean more preparation for home-cooked meals, but it will also mean more dough in your pocket at the end of the month.

Most people think that they have to make more money to save, the truth is you need to budget more money to have more. -RLN

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