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The Complete Guide to Saving Money

If learning how to save money were a sport, reading this post would feel like cheating. Why? Because we have so many money-saving tips packed into one place! If you follow enough of these, you will win with money. And because we know you aren’t here for a gripping introduction, we won’t stretch out the beginning. Let’s get right to the savings tips.

How to Save Money on Groceries and Restaurants

How to Save Money on Groceries

1. Meal plan.

Meal planning: healthy for your body and your budget. Create a calendar of meals for the week, starting in your own kitchen. Find out what you already have, see what’s on sale at the store, and look at recipes. Yes. All three at once. They work hand in hand (in hand). And let the first two guide the last.

Dinner isn’t the only thing to plan out. Don’t forget beverages, lunch, breakfast and snack foods. If you build your meals and grocery list around what’s on sale that week and what your pantry and freezer already offer, you’ll save more and waste less.

2. Make a shopping list.

And check it twice. Once you know your meals for the week, and what ingredients and items you already have, you can make a list of everything else you need. The best shopping lists are organized by aisle or at least store section. This keeps you from going back and forth while shopping—which is one of the best ways to get caught up in flashy endcap temptations.

3. Don’t buy what’s not on your list.

It’s time to be firm with yourself. Are you ready? Practice saying these words in your head: It’s not on my list. Remember that carefully crafted grocery list, guided by store sales and coupons? That list helps you escape the pitfall of the excuse, But it’s on sale! You knew what was on sale going in, and you knew whether you needed it or not.

If you realize you legitimately forgot something you needed (because we all do!), that’s fine. But grocery shopping is no time to go off script.

4. Never shop hungry.

You’ve heard it before because it’s true: If you shop hungry, your stomach will steer your shopping cart. Snack before you shop, or you’re sure to overspend. 

5. Simplify your suppers.

Meat and three: It’s a common meal misconception. You can have a delightful dinner without using this standard practice. Not only is it often cheaper to change it up, it’s also simpler. Make a great soup in the slower cooker and serve with French bread and a salad. Now “lettuce” talk about what to do with the rest of that greenery sitting in the fridge. How about adding beans, salsa, cheese and chips for a meatless taco salad? Plus, you know that leftover soup’s going to make a lunch appearance this week.

Don’t be afraid of simpler suppers! They can taste just as fantastic as a complicated dinner but can be stretched into other meals with some careful planning—all while reducing stress and spending!

6. Sample, but don’t buy.

You can say yes to product demonstrators asking, “Would you like a sample?” But don’t forget your focus. You’ve got a list to follow and savings goals to hit. We’re all about a free sample. But don’t feel obligated to buy just because you tried.

7. Use a service.

Try an online meal-planning service like eMeals. Each week they send new recipes, including entrees and side dishes, along with a complete shopping list organized by grocery store section. (Genius!) This discourages buying unnecessary items while you shop and keeps you from going out to eat as much—because you’re actually excited about eating at home. Our favorite part? eMeals offers a free 14-day trial so you can give stress-free meal planning a try!

8. Take advantage of store incentives.

Fuel credits, reward points, shopper’s cards: Figure out which stores offer the best—as in, most useful to you—incentives. Not all are created equal.

9. Test out grocery stores.

Loyalty is a highly desirable quality in friends and employees, but don’t let your blind loyalty—or your creature-comfort tendencies—keep you going back to a grocery store that isn’t serving your budget well. As the old Motown hit explains, “You better shop around (shop shop).” Look online at store promotions. Ask friends where they go and why. Those who say they like the music selection over the loud speaker aren’t the ones to listen to. Those who say they started saving hundreds when they switched grocery stores are. With all that gathered information, step foot into someplace new. Test it in real life! 

10. Order your groceries online.

Have you looked into buying your groceries online? Now you can fill your virtual shopping cart from anywhere. Check into your options: delivery or pickup. Consider the added costs. Some stores don’t charge for this service, while others do. But don’t let the fee discourage you. If you get sidetracked in the actual store, this option can force you to shop with a plan. You’ll probably save more in the long run, fee or no fee. Plus, as you fill that virtual cart, you can easily watch what you’re spending. You can delete some items or look for cheaper options before you check out, and you’ll never be surprised by the total in the end.

11. Coupon.

Whether you clip or click them, don’t forget their potential. Most supermarkets have mobile apps full of coupons that will score you great savings. Download the apps to use as you make your grocery list. Always remember—never buy something just because you have a coupon or it’s on sale. If you aren’t going to eat it, you don’t need it.

12. Be generic.

Not in your personality. In your brand choice. Many times, the off-brand and name-brand items differ very little in actual ingredients or quality. That isn’t always true. And it’s fine be picky about your favorite cereal, chocolate or coffee as long as you budget it in and plan to save in other places. But give generic brands a chance. Sometimes you like a look and have heard a name because that company spent more on design and marketing—not always because they’re delivering a higher quality product. 

13. Look at price per ounce.

Which is a better deal: the 5 ounces of sour gummy bears for $2.95 or the 10 ounces for $7.95? Does it feel like math class? Thankfully, most stores do that division for you, posting the price per ounce right on the tag. When in doubt, your phone is also a calculator. Price divided by ounce equals price per ounce. Bigger isn’t always cheaper. Plus, don’t buy the larger bag of spinach if you know half of it will go bad before you can eat it anyway. That’s wasteful, not frugal.

14. Shop alone.

You know the best way to get derailed from your shopping list? Bring the kids. Even if they don’t ask for all the toys and treats they see, their sweet chitter-chattering can cause you to lose focus. Shop alone, and your ears and eyes can be on the shopping and saving prize.

15. Beware the bakery.

The smell of freshly baked bread, cakes and cookies is a temptation to all warm-blooded carb lovers. It beckons to you from the moment you walk through those automatic sliding doors. But if it isn’t on your list, don’t let this aroma lure you into unnecessary purchases.

16. Buy in bulk.

Bulk purchasing isn’t always the best way to save—but it very often is. Ask yourself these questions: 1) Can I eat it before it’ll go bad? 2) Is the price per ounce cheaper? 3) Do I have space for this larger quantity? 4) Will I use it? I mean. Really? Your answers will reveal whether buying in bulk is the best deal for you.

17. Don’t use credit cards.

The reason credit cards become such a trap is because they get us in the mind frame of spending play money—or of putting off until later the money problems of today. Even if you’re in the routine of paying off your balance at the end of each month, it’s too easy to overspend when the money isn’t actually coming out of your hand or bank account.

18. Track your grocery spending.

Once you get home from the store, or before you even leave the parking lot, enter your grocery total into your budget. Tracking grocery expenses is the best way to keep from overspending your grocery budget line.

19. Keep non-food items out of your grocery budget line.

Don’t forget to split your transactions if you pick up household or beauty items along with your groceries. You don’t want your toilet paper purchase wiping out your food budget line.

20. Get real at the end of the month.

Give yourself a little reality check as you’re closing out your budget at the end of the month. Look at what you’ve budgeted versus what you normally spend. What’s off? Are your expectations unreasonable, or is your spending? Both can be adjusted. You’ll just need to work at it. Make changes where you need to—your spending habits or your budgeted amount—for the next month.

How to Save Money at Restaurants

21. Go out early.

The early bird gets the worm, and the early eater gets the deals. Plenty of restaurants offer discounted menu options for people willing to eat outside of the normal bustling dining room hours. You can still eat at your favorite places while paying quite a bit less.

22. Have a late lunch.

Instead of dinner out, what about lunch? Eating at a restaurant before prices flip to dinner and when lunch specials are still on the table (yes, we said it), gives you that dining-out experience without the evening price spike.

23. Sign up for emails.

We know the last thing you feel your inbox needs is another promo email subscription, but the deals that come through can be worth it. Exclusive offers, reminders of routine specials, and digital coupons will pop up with no effort on your part beyond the initial sign-up. You can always unsubscribe later if the emails aren’t offering enough to make up for the inbox clutter, or if you stop craving that coconut-cream-pie-flavored donut that once drew you into the local artisanal donut shop doors in the first place.

24. Buy used or discounted gift cards.

You can purchase gift cards online with sites like Cardpool and Raise. Check out your warehouse store for deals on gift cards to your favorite restaurant, or check your grocery store for dollars-off gas cards with a minimum purchase. Cheers to a 10–20% discount!

25. Get a birthday discount.

“Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Now get all the discounts that you can accrue!” If you already know where you want to go on your special day, sign up for their online birthday club now. They’ll probably send you a buy-one-get-one coupon or a free appetizer or dessert. But don’t limit it to birthday dinner deals. Your favorite coffee or confection shop may want to celebrate your birth as well. You can live it up like it’s your birthday (because it is) without paying for all the goodness.

26. Skip the appetizer.

If your restaurant of choice offers complimentary bread or chips and salsa, you can forgo buying an appetizer. Save yourself $8 by nibbling on the free stuff before your entrée comes.

27. Drink water.

Look at any menu these days, and you’ll notice buying a beverage is the latest extravagance. You can purchase a dessert for the same price in many instances! A quick way to save cash when you’re eating out is ordering a glass of water (not bottled water, mineral water, or water gathered in solid gold buckets in the fresh springs of Iceland). Don’t drink your dollars away in tea and soda.

28. Split your meal.

Portion sizes today can get out of control. Save calories and cash by splitting a meal with someone. If it isn’t quite enough food, catch a restaurant at half-price appetizer time, add one of those into the mix, and you can fill up for less.

29. Pick places without servers.

If you love the feeling of eating out, you can also save that 18% by picking places where you serve yourself. You know, the kind where you order before you sit. You’ll still get the restaurant vibe but without the additional tip cost. Because listen—when you’re eating out somewhere with a server, you need to budget at least an additional 15% (preferably 20%) for a tip. Serving jobs often pay practically nothing, and these workers thrive on what you provide for their service to you. Saving money by skipping the tip is not cool.

30. Doggie-bag it.

Don’t throw away those leftovers! And don’t eat beyond being full. Instead, box it up and take it home. You can get two meals for the price of one!

31. Order like a kid.

If the kids’ menu doesn’t say 12 years or younger, please, then take advantage of that child portion and price. If you need a little bit more, add on a side. You’ll still come out ahead—or behind, technically—in cost.

32. Go on a Monday or Tuesday.

Having a case of the Mondays gives people the overall blahs—and apparently makes them too tired to eat out. It seems that desire doesn’t return until hump day, so Mondays and Tuesdays are both low traffic days for most restaurants—which means promotions aplenty. Take advantage of these by eating out on less popular days.

33. Avoid major holidays.

Fixed-price menus are becoming increasingly popular for major holidays. For $49 a person, you can get a three-course meal, but what if the entrée you want is only $15? Um. No thanks. If you’d like to eat out for Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day but want to avoid the upcharge of your celebratory meal, try going out the day before or the day after.

34. Save your lunch money.

Making your lunch at home or bringing in leftovers is a major way to save serious cash. If you’re eating out for your mid-meal five days a week, you’re spending $25–60 a week. This is an easy $100–200 a month you could free up by changing one habit. It requires forethought and shopping for an adult lunchbox (or reawakening your youth with a superhero or unicorn theme). But the benefit beats the bother!

How to Save Money on Everyday Items

How to Save Money on Everyday Items

35. Use or sell your gift cards.

Check the back recesses of your wallet and catchall kitchen drawer. How many half-used or never-used gift cards can you find? Even the ones that have a dollar or two left come in handy—a discount is a discount! And what about all those cards to stores you’ll never shop at? Turn them into cash or cards you will use! Do a gift card swap with friends or check out the previously mentioned Cardpool or Raise.

36. Stop using credit cards.

One of the quickest ways to save money is to spend only what you actually have. Stop using credit cards. Yes, we said it before, but it’s worth repeating. On top of that, don’t be lured into taking out a store credit card. They trick you into turning today’s wants into tomorrow’s problems—or thinking the spending doesn’t really even count. The rewards they promise aren’t worth it. Don’t go in debt for coffee, haircuts, computers—anything! Stop using credit cards today, and you’ll start owning your spending habits instead of owing interest. That kind of accountability is a life—and money—saver.

37. Keep a shopping list on your fridge.

When you notice you need more toothpaste, toilet paper or tea, make a note on an ongoing shopping list. Don’t wait until the last minute for those first two—or anything, really. Quick trips out for this and that mean spending extra on this and that, plus gas. These extra outings add up. Instead, keep your eye on your items and make note when supplies are getting low. You can pick these items up on your regular shopping trip to make sure you grab the best deals.

38. Go generic.

If you want expensive hair or face products that make you look and feel your best, then work that into your budget. But just like your groceries, go generic when you can. Do you need designer dental floss? We’re guessing no.

39. Take advantage of dollar store deals.

You shouldn’t buy everything for a dollar, but some things are excellent deals, especially for gifts. A witty or motivating mug with hot cocoa and a bag of peppermints would cost you around $3. Kid sunglasses (for littles who lose and break things) plus a plastic bucket and shovel would make for a splendid beach vacay present. Gift bags or greeting cards for any occasion abound. Visit your everything-for-a-dollar store to see what items are good enough quality to make them a good deal.

40. Buy gently used clothing.

Get your thrift on! Get into Goodwill or consignment shops. Search online at Poshmark or ThredUP. You don’t have to buy new to buy well.

41. Find deeply discounted running shoes.

Go to that fancy-schmancy shoe store, get sized, try on different brands—but don’t buy. Take your newfound foot knowledge online and search for overstocks, less popular colors, or even used pairs. With all you save on those running shoes, you can buy compression socks and a couple extra sticks of deodorant.

42. Search online for promo codes.

Google, RetailMeNot.com and Coupons.com are your three new best online friends. Before you buy, search for discounts. Percentages off, free shipping, or specific-item discounts will pop up before your very eyes. It’s like pulling a rabbit out of a hat. Only better, because you don’t gain a rabbit to feed and clean up after.

43. Buy the men’s version of some products.

A study of gender pricing done in New York City shows that women’s products cost more than men’s products 42% of the time.(1) Why are women’s razors twice as expensive as men’s? Is it the pink? It’s the pink, isn’t it? Well, until they figure out how to make things pink in more cost-effective manners, consider buying the blue triple-blade option. This works with other products as well: shave gel, hair care and even plain white T-shirts!

44. Get a library card.

Know what’s better than cheap? Free! Okay, not all the time. A half-eaten burrito in the garbage is free, but not a good idea. Libraries, however, are a good idea. Check out books and movies, enjoy their programs, and sign up for eBook and audiobook options as well. Unlike that trash burrito, your free library card brings a wealth of goodness.

45. Go outside.

When we plan activities, why do we default to things we have to pay to enjoy? The great outdoors boasts incredible no-or-low-fee adventures. Take a hike, fly a kite, ride a bike. Get some fresh air and feel the wind in your hair. Eat outside, walk outside, talk outside. Nature offers oodles of opportunities for dates, family outings or even some much-needed alone time.

46. Join loyalty programs.

According to a recent report, there are roughly 3.8 billion customer loyalty memberships in the United States.(2) Take advantage of these to score deals on restaurant meals, airline tickets and more. Start by visiting the websites of your favorite restaurants or clothing stores to see if they mention perks for frequent shoppers. Of course, if you see the program involves signing up for a credit card, run quickly in the opposite direction. You don’t need that kind of negativity in your life.

47. Sign up for balance alerts.

Money spent on overdraft fees is like cash flushed down the forgetfulness toilet. If your bank allows you to set up a notification when your account is running low, do it! You can even set the amount. This free service is a great way to stop the fees before they start.

48. Make your own coffee.

If you find yourself handing over cash for coffee every morning because it’s easy or quick or delish, drop that habit for a set period of time. Buy and brew your own. You might find a new taste for savings. Or you might work fancy coffee back into your budget now and then as the treat it truly is.

49. Get creative for date night.

Think quality time over quantity spending. You don’t have to pay a lot to enjoy each other’s company. Eat out, but enjoy movie night in. Eat dinner in, then grab your dessert out. Stroll through a local thrift shop and try to find the oddest item. Download a stargazing app and enjoy nature’s night-lights. Sit around your own backyard firepit and ask questions about your hopes and dreams. Is it all sounding like a Hallmark movie? Good. That’s how you know it’s romantic.

50. Negotiate with your internet provider.

 Most internet providers offer an introductory rate and then try to hike up your rate by $30 to $40 when it’s time to renew. Call them and ask if they can do better. Keep calling until someone is willing to listen and lower your rate. Be as annoying to them as their telemarketers are to you.

Download Money-Saving Apps

51. Check out cash-back apps.

Ready to kick app and take names? Start downloading money-saving apps. First, look into cashback offers like Ibotta, Receipt Hog and Dosh. You can get rewards in the form of cash and gift cards for your regular shopping habits!

52. Download those coupon apps.

Honey, SnipSnap, Target App: Each of these save you money up front by showing sales and offering coupons without the hassle of snipping and sorting—and then remembering—all those pieces of paper.

53. Don’t forget deal-scanning apps.

Try out GoodRx, ShopSavvy and the Coupons.com app to search for the best deals and prices on the things you need. And don’t forget the honey—meaning Honey, the browser extension that searches through the best coupons available for a store’s site and applies it to your cart at checkout! Sweet.

54. Save more with store apps.

Walmart’s Savings Catcher, Target, and Whole Foods all provide offers, discounts and deals for these stores. Scan your Walmart receipts into the Savings Catcher, and it searches for stores offering a lower price. If it finds a better deal, it gives you the difference. That’s price matching for the modern age. Target’s app pulls up deals you can download and scan at the register. Whole Foods teamed up with Amazon. If you’re a Prime member, the Whole Foods app brings store savings (plus an extra 10% off sale items) to your fingertips.

55. Have a heart: test out some health and wellness apps.

Whether you’re training to run your first race, trying to get cut like Mount Rushmore, or keeping an eye on your caloric intake, you don’t have to pay for a gym membership, personal trainer or wellness advisor. Just download one! Map My Run, My Fitness Pal, BeachBody, Happy Scale, Ultimate Food Diary—the options are nearly endless. Some are free, some charge a fee, but all put your path to wellness in the palm of your hand.

56. Get it together with organizational apps.

When you realize it’s time to get your life together, you might be tempted to buy a $200 planner and the accompanying supplemental stickers and motivational pages. If a pricey physical planner is your yearly spending pleasure because it helps you streamline every part of your day—then budget for it. But if you’re bettering yourself on a budget, check out Wunderlist or Grocery iQ to plan grocery lists and also remember to create your budget. And don’t forget to make use of the built-in calendar and reminder apps already on your phone!

How to Save Money on Your House

How to Save Money on Your House 

57. Downsize.

There are plenty of financial reasons to downsize. Maybe your mortgage is taking up a huge chunk of your income, your baby birds recently flew off to adult on their own, or you just don’t need a place in the center of the action anymore. If any of these apply to you, it could be time to move on. Literally.

58. Make extra payments.

Maybe it sounds counter intuitive. How does spending more on your mortgage help you save more on your home? Because, interest. Each year you keep your mortgage, you pay more interest! If you make just one extra house payment each quarter, you can pay off your house five years sooner! So it’s the long game in savings, true, but the size of the savings is worth the wait.

59. Refinance.

People refinance when they want to pay a lower monthly payment, drop their interest rate, or switch from a longer loan to a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage. That last change might mean a higher monthly payment, but it’ll bring you into that 100% debt-free lifestyle far quicker—freeing up a huge amount of money to save, invest, give and spend on travel. Refinancing doesn’t make sense for everyone, but it’s worth looking into if you have equity in your home, an interest-only loan, a high interest rate or a mortgage with more than a 15-year term.

60. Do a YouTube reno.

It’s pretty fantastic what you can learn to do on YouTube these days—things like minor home renovations and repairs, for example! This online video wonderland comes in quite handy when you’re needing to fix a simple leak in your toilet but don’t want to pay an hourly rate for what might be a five-minute job. Please note: Certain jobs—such as electrical or structural repairs—should be left up to the professionals. Don’t risk life and limb to save money!  

61. Barter for repairs.

When you do need to hire an expert, for safety or your own sanity, consider doing a trade. They rewire the lighting fixtures in your kitchen, and you tutor their kid in Victorian poetry. They replace your missing or damaged roof shingles, and you give voice lessons to prep them for their audition on “So You Think You Can Sing.” They . . . you get the idea. Barter your talents for theirs, and everyone comes out ahead.

62. Drop cable.

It’s time to break up—with cable. Pull out your best“it’s not you, it’s me” speech. Because you are ready for a better, cheaper option! Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Sling TV, YouTube TV. Cutting the cable and adding in a less expensive option can save you up to $1,000 a year!(3) Now you can binge your favorite rom-com or medieval dramedy series for far less.

63. Reexamine your bills.

Chances are, you could be saving more money on your fixed monthly bills. These are easy to overlook because you’ve probably paid the same amount every month for what seems like forever. But are you missing out on special rates for your cell phone? Internet? What about your monthly gym membership—could you walk around the neighborhood instead? Call and ask for deals and do some old-fashioned negotiating. You never know if you never ask.

64. Switch insurance agents.

Most people set up their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance and leave it be. But insurance isn’t a slow cooker, and you won’t have a meal at the end of the day if you leave it be. Things change. Check in on your insurance. Be sure to talk to an independent insurance agent. Their loyalty is to you, not a specific company, so they’ll shop around until they find the best fit and rate for where you are in life. You can save hundreds a year with minimum effort.

65. Be more intentional with your utility use.

Be intentional isn’t just a motivational phrase to be more present in the moment and thoughtful in your choices. It’s also a lesson to live by with your utilities. Turn off the light when you leave a room. Wash your clothes in cold water. Only run the dishwasher when it’s full. Change out your air filters. Adjust the thermostat when you leave the house. Little changes can add up to big savings.

66. Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances.

As you replace your appliances, consider upgrading to more energy-efficient models. These save energy (hence their name), which —in turn—saves you money! If this seems like too large an investment right now, start small. Replace your lightbulbs with ones carrying the ENERGY STAR logo, and you can save about $75 a year.(4)  

How to Save Money on Transporation

How to Save Money on Transportation

67. Gas-Saving Apps

GasBuddy searches your local area to find the cheapest gas prices around. They even have a GasBuddy card that links to your checking account. (So, not a credit card, of course.) When you use it, you save every time you pump.

68. Rideshare Apps

If you want to save money on transportation, look into Hytch, Swift or NuRide. These reward you for carpooling! Not all states have the same offerings, so find out what’s available to you.

69. Stop making car payments.

Did you know there are about 100 million auto loans floating around out there today, totaling about $1 trillion?(5) Our next tip is not tobe one in a million. Or, specifically, one in 100 million. The number one way to save money on your ride is to eliminate your car payment. With the average car payment being $525 per month, that’s a lot of savings to be had.(6) A good rule of thumb is this: If you can’t pay off your car in two years or less, sell it. Use the profits to pay off the remainder of your loan and buy a cheaper car in the meantime. You can always save for your dream car down the road.

70. Pay cash for your next vehicle.

Instead of $525 going to a car loan, save it up! In a year, you’d have $6,300. In two, you’d have $12,600. Save until you can pay cash for your next vehicle—then you’ll own it instead of owing someone for it.

71. Save on auto insurance.

You could have an outdated policy—or worse, you could be overpaying. Independent insurance agents can shop and compare policies from several companies to find the right coverage at the best price. Amy from Tennessee was able to save $600 a year when she worked with an independent agent. That’s worth a couple phone calls and some paperwork! Find a local independent insurance agent in your area to see how much you can save.

72. Get gas rewards.

Your grocery store may offer discount gas cards or reward points. If you’re picking up acetaminophen and triple chocolate ice cream, take advantage of this! And don’t forget to use your points when you get your gas. Or else, what’s the point?

73. Shop around for repair work.

Don’t rely on the dealership to do the work. Ask your friends and family for a reliable, honest mechanic in the area. And before you give the go-ahead on repair work, get a quote and perhaps a second opinion from another mechanic.

74. Carpool when you can.

When you’re able—ride with others! Most people think only of the drive to and from work or school when this topic arises, but piling into a van together to get to girls’ night out saves gas and provides the opportunity for some quality car conversation and seat dancing.

75. Check out public transportation.

Save mileage on your car and gas money by using a bus or train. A monthly pass costs less than a month’s worth of one-day tickets, and they’re easier to track. Plus, when you aren’t driving, you can spend more mental energy focusing on your favorite podcast, planning your next birthday party theme on Pinterest, or even reading through the classics. Save money and free up some mind space.

As you’re working through some of these, remember: The first step to saving is having a plan for your money. That’s what EveryDollar’s here for! This budgeting app will reveal your spending habits and help you reach each saving milestone. And—it’s free! Sign up today and show your spending who’s boss.

This is the first post on my new blog. I’m just getting this new blog going, so stay tuned for more. Subscribe below to get notified when I post new updates.

March Challenge: Spring Clean Your Budget

As the great Russian author Leo Tolstoy once said, “Spring is the time of plans and projects.” It’s so true. The birds start singing, the buds start blooming, and the budgeters start looking for new ways to meet those money goals.

Something about the newness in nature this season gets us all in the mood to clear out the old. But spring-cleaning isn’t just for the house. You can spring-clean your budget as well. Give it a good once-over to see where you can save more money and stop bad habits.

This type of cleaning will get your budget working even better, making you a happier budgeter. Let’s get happy. Let’s get cleaning. 

How to Give Your Budget a Spring-Cleaning

1. Set a budget meeting with your spouse.

You can’t move forward—and you can’t hit those money goals—if you and your spouse are going in different directions. And the thing is, you might have a really good money conversation and think things are just peachy. But then later down the road, you see you’re both spending with opposing intentions.

It’s time to check in. Budgeting is a journey you’re on together, so be in communication regularly so you can go the distance with your money.

Action step: Set up a good old-fashioned budget meeting this month. Look at last month’s budget. Where could you have done better? What can you change for the upcoming month to help you reach your goals? Then book a time to meet every month to review the budget and your dreams. 

2. Get your legacy plans (aka estate planning) in order.

First, if you don’t have a will, put it on your calendar to get one this month. It will take only about 20 minutes with our recommended online will provider. And if your will is outdated, update it. Then, if you don’t have 10–12x your annual income in term life insurance, it’s time to get on it. Work with our recommended insurance provider to make sure you get the best deal possible on the exact coverage you need. That way you’ll take care of the people who matter the most when the thing you don’t want to talk about happens.

Why term life insurance instead of whole? We could go on forever about this, but basically just remember that term life is better for your finances, while whole is . . . a whole lot of no thank you. Whole life treats your insurance plan like an investment with a revolting rate of return and costs around $3,600 more than term life. See. A whole lot of no thank you.

Yes, it’s uncomfortable—because it means thinking about death. But it’s important, so we’ve got to get past the discomfort and get our legacy plans in order.

Action step: If you don’t have a will, put it on your calendar to get one this month. If yours is outdated, update it. If you have whole life insurance, or no life insurance at all, it’s time to get on it. Work with a term life insurance pro to make sure you get the exact coverage you need. That way you’ll take care of the people who matter the most when the thing you don’t want to talk about happens.

3. Look at your other insurance policies.

So often we set up renter’s, homeowner’s or car insurance once and just roll with it forever. But what if you don’t have the best policy possible? You could be tossing some serious cash out the figurative window. Insurance isn’t a slow cooker you set and forget. You saw how well that worked out for Jack in This Is Us. Be proactive. Don’t use slow cookers with fabric cords—and check in on your insurance.

Action step: Sometimes we don’t even know where to start with this stuff. If you need some help, take our 5-Minute Coverage Checkup. And if you’re ready to know if a better policy is out there, get in touch with an independent insurance pro to see what kind of money you could be pocketing rather than paying out.

4. Update your W-4.

Maybe you got a hefty tax return this year. It feels good at the time, but it means Uncle Sam’s been in charge of all that money all that time—instead of you. Yuck. Think of all the stuff you could have been doing with that cash while he was doing who knows what with it.

That’s why we think you should update your W-4. Instead of overpaying Uncle Sam this year, pay yourself.

Action step: Adjust your withholdings so you break even next year. Put that extra income to good use each month by paying extra on any debt, investing for retirement, or saving for your dream trip to dive with the dolphins. Say goodbye to giving interest-free loans to the government and hello to making the decisions with your own money.

5. Review your New Year’s goals.

You wrote them out. You made them measurable. You started seeing how they work in the rhythm of your everyday life. And then you realized some of those fabulous financial goals need tweaking.

It’s okay. It doesn’t mean you’re a failure when you adjust your goals. It means you’re in tune with reality.

Action step: Sit down with your goals and do a solid review. Are you on track? Do you need to get honest and adjust things? Or do you need to get that January 1 motivation back and remind yourself why you’re doing this? It wouldn’t hurt to cut out pictures of your goals or write them out with a dry-erase marker on your bathroom mirror. Your hard work has a very good reason. Spend time this week remembering that reason and reminding yourself it’s going to be worth it.

6. Have a moment of truth with your spending habits.

And while you’re there, pull out your budget and have a conversation with yourself about your spending habits. It’s time for a moment of truth with the person in the mirror.

Maybe you need what’s called the “compliment sandwich” which would go like this: “Hey, self. I see you’ve got that grocery budget under control. I’m so proud of you. But, look here. You went $100 over budget in the entertainment line three months in a row. It’s time to cancel your membership to the Mister Freeze Memorabilia Museum and your beginner fly-fishing lessons. But you’re killing it by turning off lights when you leave a room. The electricity bill thanks you.”

Whatever it takes, it’s time to get real. With yourself.

Action step: All jokes aside, give your budget a line by line look-over. Where are you missing the mark each month? What can you do to make budget in that area? Remember, it’s okay to change your planned amounts. But if you up the amount in one budget line, you have to lower another to balance everything out. And don’t be afraid to call yourself out on any overspending habits. If you won’t be honest with you, who will?

7. Automate your savings with direct deposits.

If you’re trying to make saving money a priority, it can get lost in the shuffle of rent, restaurant tabs underwater hockey club fees. When you set a portion of your paycheck to direct deposit into your savings account, you’ll be working on those savings goals without a second thought.

Action step: If you’re already using this method, consider automating even more savings. For example, that car insurance payment you save up for over six months—you could put that money on the direct deposit plan too. If you’re not automating any savings, get with your HR department or your bank to figure out how to start the process.

8. Clean up and sell off your stuff.

This is the actual spring-cleaning portion of our tips. Go through closets, get in the attic, and clear out the garage. You could be sitting on stuff you don’t use that other people would gladly pay money to use!

Action step: Select one spot in your house each weekend and clear it out. Toss the junk and sell the good stuff you just don’t need. Try online groups like Facebook, Craigslist or Poshmark. See if your work has a forum to post things for sale. Or get out those multi-colored price tag circle stickers and have yourself an old-fashioned yard sale. Donate what’s left to get the clutter out of your life. And what should you do with all that earned money? Reward yourself in a budget-friendly manner and then put the rest of that cash toward your money goals.

9. Start planning for summer vacation.

Spring has sprung. Boing!

And it’s got you thinking about all that sunshine to come. Warm days on the beach with the sand in your toes, a book in your hands, and your worries miles and miles away. But where’s the money for this dreamy summer vacay coming from? Not Mastercard—they’re not going to master you. Not Chase—your new budget-boss attitude has them on the run. Not Visa—they’re . . . okay we ran out of puns here. But you get the idea.

You can pay cash for your getaway. But you should start saving now.

Action step: It’s time to create a summer fun sinking fund. Divide the total amount of money you need for your trip by the months until you head out. That’s how much you need to save each month so you can cash-flow your vacation. Start saving now and those toes—and everything in your suitcase as well—will be covered in sand before you know it.

Why Spring-Clean Your Budget?

These spruce-ups are just what your budget needs as it blossoms out of the cold months of the year into the warmth of new beginnings. If you’ve been going strong on those money goals—it’s a great time to see what’s been working and keep headed in that direction. If you’ve been struggling—it’s a great time to figure out what’s been tripping you up so you can set a new course toward WinningTown, USA.

You’ve got this! Out with the old, and in with the you.

How to Budget on an Irregular Income

You might think a monthly budget only works for people with a predictable income. But a budget allows you to tell your money where to go instead of wondering where it went—and that applies to people who live on an irregular income, too!

Why you should budget on an irregular income

Budgeting is particularly important if you don’t know what number you’re going to see on your next paycheck. Whether your full-time job is commission-based or a little unpredictable—or if you’re a budding entrepreneur with a growing side gig—a budget will show you exactly where you are in your financial journey, and help you get where you want to be.

If you know where you stand with your money, you have a greater chance of financial success. You can plan for emergencies, pay off debt, and sleep better at night knowing that you’re in control of your money—rather than your money being in control of you.

How to budget on an irregular income

This step-by-step guide will show you exactly how to create and work a budget if you’re living on an irregular income. And don’t worry—it isn’t as intimidating as it sounds.

1. Start with your lowest monthly estimate.

It’s easier to start with your lowest monthly income than to start with an average. If you budget for the smallest amount, you can always go up from there! Check out your paystubs from the last year and find the lowest one in the bunch. If this is your first time working on commission or living on an irregular income, estimate what your lowest month will look like.

2. Create your budget based on that number.

Take your lowest monthly income and use it to create your budget. Remember: You want to start with the lowest number because it’s easier to add money in the budget than deduct it.

Now prioritize your categories, starting with your four essentials—also known as your basic necessities:

  • Food. Begin with your basic food needs, like weekly grocery trips. We’ll add the extras—like restaurants and coffee shops—later!
  • Shelter. This includes your rent or mortgage payment, as well as any cost associated with living in your home (utilities, taxes and insurance).
  • Clothing. Remember, we’re starting with basics. Focus on what you need, not the shopping spree you’ve always wanted. That comes later!
  • Transportation. This can include your car payment, how much you spend on gas, and what you need to maintain your vehicle.

Once you’ve listed your four essentials, list the rest of your expenses in order of most important to least important. Make sure to include giving and savings after the essentials—and don’t forget to include insurance. If you accidentally list some of your expenses out of order, don’t worry. You can rearrange your budget categories when you’re done.

And remember—just because you have an irregular income doesn’t mean you can’t have fun! But when you’re setting up your initial budget, cover your necessities first before diving into all the extra stuff. Once you have your basics covered, you can add in things like restaurants, coffee, entertainment, and other fun activities!

3. Adjust over the course of the month.

Now that you’ve created a budget for your lowest monthly income, take it for a test drive. You might realize halfway through the month that you’re going to make morethan you originally thought.

That’s great news! But before you start spending that extra cash, make sure you add it into your budget. If you set your lowest monthly income to $5,000 but you made $5,500, simply adjust the income line in your budget.

Now you just need to decide where to apply that extra money—and that’s a great problem to have! You can go back to the priorities you listed, or add new ones. It’s up to you!

4. Create a Hill and Valley fund.

There are hills and valleys in every business. Sometimes you bring in more than average, and that’s great. But sometimes you experience a slow season, and you need to pull from savings to make ends meet until business picks up again.

That’s where the Hill and Valley fund comes in.

The Hill and Valley fund prevents you from dipping into your emergency fund when your paycheck is smaller than you thought it would be. It helps you pay your bills and keep food on the table when your monthly income is less than your monthly expenses.

It’s easy to get started. Remember the above example where we talked about adjusting your income for the better when you have a good month? When that happens, allocate some of your extra earnings to the Hill and Valley fund. Easy as pie.

Over time, the Hill and Valley fund will grow—just like an emergency fund. It may be tempting, but don’t skip this step. It will provide a nice buffer between you and those hard months when business slows down or you need to work less for a season!

5. Copy your planned amount to next month.

Once you have a list of monthly expenses and your Hill and Valley fund, you can use this budget as a template for the next month.

Tips for budgeting on an irregular income

Create a Miscellaneous category.

We all have unexpected expenses pop up that we either didn’t expect or forgot to plan for. That’s where the Miscellaneous category comes in handy. Allocate funds to a Miscellaneous category so you have a safety net in case an expense comes up that you weren’t anticipating.

Give yourself some grace.

It won’t be picture-perfect the first time. You may forget some things or not budget enough for groceries. But don’t stress—and don’t give up! It takes about three months to get into a budgeting rhythm. Keep your eyes on the prize and learn from your mistakes as you go.

It might seem tricky at first, but stick to it. Just because your income is unpredictable doesn’t mean your budget needs to be unpredictable too!

17 Surefire Ways to Stay Motivated and On Budget

Ready to snag the big bucks? Try the long game.

We’re talking about budgeting. That’s right. Tell your money what to do month after month, year after year, and you just might be rolling in it soon enough.

Of course, the long game requires some serious patience. And it can be tough to keep that financial drive alive.

We’re here to help. No matter where you find yourself on your budgeting journey—totally green or managing your green—we’ve got a few tips and tricks to bring back the motivation.

Why Motivation Leaves

Most folks—us included—don’t wake up early, excited and ready to create a new budget.

No, the majority of people who budget consistently do so because of the happiness and peace budgeting produces in the long run. We power through this additional task of adulting knowing the reward is worth the work.

Unfortunately, it can be challenging to hold onto that knowledge in the day-to-day craziness of life. We become tempted to choose activities that are fun right now or mix up our priorities with our fantasies.

As a result, our budgeting—the key to financial peace—takes a back seat.

Beat motivation to the punch: If you lack the excitement needed to stick with your budgeting goals, decide today to become your own Energizer Bunny. Whenever motivation wanes, take action to recharge your battery and live off that energy until you need another boost.

How to Stay Motivated as You Budget Month to Month

A few of our favorite ideas for recharging your battery:

1. Surround yourself with people who respect your budget.

If you hang out with senseless spenders, you’ll be tempted to do the same. Like-minded folks act as living reminders of your money goals. Plus, they’re great resources when you have a question or need a little accountability.

2. Make budgeting easy.

Put budget dates on the calendar: Set aside time within the month to check in so you aren’t tracking your purchases all at once.

3. Set short-term goals.

You might aim to create your first budget, follow your budget for three months straight, or track your spending for a solid week. Whatever the goal, when you reach it, celebrate!

4. Create a list of rewards that don’t hinder your goals.

Yes, we just said to celebrate your budgeting victories—but a shopping spree as reward for one week of careful, tracked spending is taking one step forward and a giant leap back. Come up with a few super-thrifty options that won’t bust your budget.

5. Make your goals visual.

Go “middle school” on this thing! Clip out pictures from your favorite magazine or spend some time doodling. Express your hopes on paper and put that visual reminder up where you’ll see it each and every day.

6. Put your budget to the test.

Ask your budget to do something you never thought possible—something like paying off your smallest debt or saving to pay cash for a new pair of shoes. Then challenge yourself to make it happen.

7. Fill your ears and eyes with helpful content.

Read books, listen to podcasts, and watch shows with sound financial content for fresh ideas, friendly reminders, and general encouragement to stay the course. Try the EveryDollar blog, The Dave Ramsey Show or The Rachel Cruze Show.

8. Keep a budgeting journal.

Every three months, or at the start of each season, check in to see how you’re doing. You’ll be able to look over your notes to see how far you’ve come. You might want to track your total debt, savings, and even your comfort level with budgeting.

9. Plan activities that add value to your life without taking away from your budget.

This tactic is especially helpful when you feel an urge to cheat on your spending plan. Schedule a game night with friends, take your kids on a morning hike, or enjoy a movie night at home with your spouse.

10. Treat each money decision as an individual decision.

Because, well, it is. It’s easier to feel in control on one simple choice than a lifetime of choices. Before you swipe your card or put an item in your cart, ask yourself, Is this the right choice for my money now?

11. Call yourself a budgeter.

The decisions you made yesterday don’t have to determine today. Instead of thinking, I blew my budget last night. I’m such a reckless spender, tell yourself, Yeah, I slipped up, but today I’m getting back on track because I’m a budgeter.

12. Develop a standard response to spending urges.

Maybe when the spending bug bites you go outside, watch a Jimmy Fallon clip on YouTube, take a long bath, read a good book, cook a challenging new recipe, or do a chore while listening to your favorite podcast. Find healthy ways to remove yourself from inevitable spending temptations.

13. Track expenses like you track social media.

Better yet, put them together! Before you open Instragram, update your spending and do a quick check-in on your budget. Then scroll through your feed for all those friend, food, and celebrity updates.

14. Define your why and make it personal.

What brought you to the idea of budgeting? What are you hoping to accomplish? Dig deep and be honest about the reasons behind your desire to take control of your money once and for all. Remembering the why will help you stick with the how.

How to Stay Motivated to Reach Long-Term Money Goals

Maybe budgeting month to month is a breeze, but you’re having trouble staying focused on bigger money dreams like paying off debt, paying off your home, or saving for retirement.

And it makes sense. In some situations, those goals might take years to reach. Make it all the way to Baby Step 7 with the following tricks:

1. Split big goals into smaller goals.

Simple enough, right? Let’s say you’ve been paying extra toward your mortgage for a while and you still owe $60,000. Why not break that total into three distinct increments with a big reward at the end of each? The smaller goal of $20,000 seems much less daunting and is a huge step closer to your overall goal.

2. Remove decision fatigue.

Wherever possible, put your goals on autopilot. Set up auto-drafts that send money directly to your retirement accounts, mortgage company, or lenders. By never seeing the money in the first place, you’re less likely to miss it—and more likely to feel a welcome surprise at your progress along the way.

3. Prepare for burnout.

Know that, most likely, a season of burnout is headed your way. Go ahead and decide now what you’ll do when it comes. You might plan to give yourself a small break—say one month of pulling back on aggressive money management—before diving right back in.

Any time you set a goal—decide to make a life-change—you’re going to hit some hardships along the way. But that doesn’t mean you give up! Even when your motivation’s low, you can still do this. And you aren’t alone! Plenty of people are working hard to make their financial dreams come true, one monthly budget at a time.

6 Creative Ways to Make Extra Money

You’re torn. You’d love to start building up your Christmas fund, paying down debt, or saving for an anniversary trip, but your budget’s already jam-packed.

You don’t want to commit to another full-time job to pump up your income. After all, your free time is precious to you.

But what if you didn’t have to overwork yourself to meet your budgeting goals? What if you didn’t even have to get a traditional second job? Here are six smart ways to make extra money without sacrificing all your down time.

Ways to Earn Extra Money

1. Care for Pets. With fall break, Thanksgiving and Christmas upon us, lots of travelers will need a temporary home for their four-legged friends. Surely you can keep Fido loved and alive for a week? Cats are even easier. In most cases, you don’t even have to cart them to your house. Just check on Fluffy during your lunch break, change his litterbox, and refill his cat food. Hello easy money! Sites like Rover.com are great options for finding a pet-sitting gig near you.

2. Care for People. If giving up your date night to babysit doesn’t appeal to you, why not look for other ways to work caregiving into your regular routine? For example, do you usually pick up your kids from school? Ask around to see if other parents need aftercare for a few hours, or check Care.com. That way, your kids gain a playmate and you gain a paycheck. No sweat.

3. Rent Your Home. Headed on a weekend getaway or going to Grandma’s for a week? Why not rent out your house while you’re away? You may even earn enough to cover your trip! Wouldn’t that be nice? Check out details for home sharing at Airbnb.com.

4. Run Errands. Errand services like Taskrabbit.com and Shipt (for groceries) are popping up all over the place to help busy people clear their overflowing schedules. You can even wait in line at the DMV for someone! You’re essentially being paid to stand and read your favorite book.

5. Hit the Road. As long as you’re not directionally challenged, you can score some extra cash as an amateur taxi driver with ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft. All you need is a car, a cell phone and a few spare hours each week (a smile doesn’t hurt either). You can drive as little or as much as you want. And the best part is tips are welcome!

6. Cash in Your Hobbies. You’ve got mad skills. Now you just have to figure out how to market them. What do you already know how to do or enjoy doing in your free time? Graphic design? Online tutoring? Woodworking? Sewing? Use that to make money on the side. This is especially convenient if you have kids, as you can do it from home after they’re in dreamland. An hour a day might be all it takes to put some serious cash in the bank.

Don’t let your fear of a second job keep you from earning extra income. With some good old-fashioned entrepreneurial drive, you can create the cash flow you want for your budget without signing up for another full-time job. And who knows? It could even turn into something you actually look forward to!

How Tracking Your Spending Saves Your Budget

You’ve laid the groundwork for taking control of your money: You know your budgeting why; you’ve got your budget set; and you’re ready for the new month. There’s just one more thing to do, and it’s the key to making or breaking your budget—tracking your expenses.

Expense tracking compares what you spend to what you budgeted to spend. It lets you know if your purchases line up with your plan—if your spending’s on pace that month. This awareness shows you the money left in your budget to do things like go out to eat with friends, add guac to your taco bowl, or shop your favorite store’s sale.

Tracking isn’t difficult, but it is intentional. The more you do it, the more it’ll become a habit. Until then, we can help by giving you more info on how and why tracking your spending is a budget saver.

How Expense Tracking Works

Let’s say you budget $450 for groceries in a given month. If you’ve already gone to the store three times, tracking expenses might look like this:

Grocery Transactions:

August 1 (Kroger): $115

August 7 (Target): $13.50

August 13 (Publix): $95

Total Spent So Far: $223.50

When you go to the store on August 20, you see that you have $226.50 left for the rest of the month. That’s a little over half the budget left! Now you know exactly how much you can spend in the last two weeks of the month.

Two Easy Ways to Track Expenses

When you make a purchase, keep the receipt and enter each transaction into your budget at the end of the day. This is crucial so your purchases don’t pile up on you. If you aren’t proactive with those receipts, you know what happens—they’ll get lost in the granite abyss known as your kitchen counter pile, become stuck to an unwrapped stick of chewing gum in the depths of your purse, make best friends with the various $.57 balance gift cards in your wallet, or go through the washing machine in the pocket of your jeans.

Track Expenses to Avoid Overspending

Tracking also lets you know if you need to make any adjustments to your budget. That comes in handy when there’re a few days left in the month, but you’ve spent (or nearly spent) the full amount of a budget category.

Let’s look back at our example, only further down the month:

Grocery Transactions:

August 1 (Kroger): $115

August 7 (Target): $13.50

August 13 (Publix): $95

August 20 (Walmart Grocery Pickup): $140

August 25 (Trader Joes): $75

Total Spent So Far: $438.50

At this point, you have only $11.50 to get through the rest of the month. Don’t worry! Here’s what you do:

1. Get creative in the kitchen. See what pantry staples and freezer finds you have that can be turned into a meal. If you have a box of pasta, pick up a few veggies from the store and make enough for tonight’s dinner and tomorrow’s lunch.

2. Adjust your budget. Look at the rest of your budget. Did you set aside $50 for entertainment but you’ve only spent a couple of dollars on a movie rental? Then move that leftover $48 to your grocery category!

When you track your expenses, you stay true to your budget. It’s the best way to keep yourself accountable to your plan and money goals.

Give Yourself Permission to Do This To Your Budget

Your budget isn’t a slower cooker: You can’t just set it and forget it. Instead, a budget requires care, attention, and regular adjustments. Why? Adjusting your budget:

  • Allows you to track your spending more accurately
  • Protects you from overspending in multiple categories
  • Helps you plan better in the months to come

You and your budget are in an important relationship. Don’t ignore it! You need to check in and adjust your numbers on a weekly or monthly basis.

When to Adjust Your Budget

If you’re like us, the grocery category will be your biggest battleground, so let’s use it as an example.

Maybe you’re at the register when the cashier delivers the news: “Your total comes to $175.” Yikes! That amount nearly wipes out what you have left for the month in your food category. You take another look at your cart. You can stretch the meals out a bit, but not for the remainder of the month.

The above scenario means it’s time to adjust the budget. We’ll talk about how to do that in just a second, but first take a look at some other adjustment-worthy moments life might throw at you:

  • A utility bill that’s higher than anticipated
  • An unexpected event or need pops up
  • Crossed signals causing you and your spouse to spend more individually in a particular category than either of you realized
  • A decision to change spending priorities mid-month
  • Your budget is blown, for whatever reason, in one area

How to Adjust Your Budget

Communication breaks down. Life happens. Budgets need to be altered. And now you know some “when to adjust your budget” scenarios, so let’s talk about how to adjust your budget. It’s easier than it sounds. Here are some helpful tips for keeping it simple:

1. Start with a zero-based budget.

When you create a zero-based budget, you should see the ever-satisfying green checkmark, which lets you know you’ve given every single dollar you’ll earn a job. If you want to learn more, check out why “zero” is the most important number in your budget.

2. Track your spending.

Throughout the month, you should track your spending. When you climb in your car after shopping, track that receipt.

When you start tracking your spending, you’ll learn what categories need to be adjusted either up or down to prevent you from overspending next month.

3. Make adjustments as needed.

Let’s go back to that moment at the grocery store. You spent $175 on food for the week. Though you can make it stretch some, you’ll probably need another $100 to get you through the end of the month—but you only have $50 left in the grocery category.

Don’t worry! All you need to do is adjust. Take a look at your budget and find another area (or multiple areas) where you can scrounge up $50. Maybe you sacrifice some fun money this month or back off on buying new clothes. Or, if you’re lucky, a bill came in lower than anticipated. (It happens!) Decide where the money will come from and make your move accordingly.

When you’re finished, you should see that lovely green checkmark pop up again.

That’s your official sign that all is well and good again in budget land.

Make note of any adjustment patterns that develop. You might need to bump your grocery budget up a bit for the foreseeable future. And that’s okay!

Still on the fence about the benefits of adjusting your budget as you go? Don’t just take our word for it. We asked budgeters to share their budget adjusting advice on facebook and twitter:

“Be prepared to adjust often. Having to change something doesn’t mean you’re a failure at the whole process . . . It’s a road map to your goals, not a prison!” — Joanna T.

“Don’t be too hard on yourself if you have to adjust mid-month. Things happen, plans change, and even seasoned budgeters sometimes forget things. The hard work is worth it in the end!” — Jennifer R.

“Overestimate your needs. If you’ve been spending $500/month on groceries, you probably will not make a $200 budget. Start high and trim.” — Rachel B.

“Plan your budget on base and adjust as necessary. Just do it. After two or three months you will think you had a pay raise.” — Herman H.

“A budget is a living, breathing document; it’s not written in stone.” — Deborah G.

“You’ll probably have to update it during the month—it’s okay to adjust! You’ll get better at it each month!” — Kelly S.

“It’s less about numbers on a paper and more about behavior and habit modifications . . . make the right habits and the numbers follow.” — Chris S.

“Keep going—even if you slip . . .even if something unexpected comes up. Keep going.” — Katherine P.

“Review your spending for the two months prior to starting your budget to find a good starting point for each line item.” — Shelby K.

“You’ll have to adjust, but you won’t be spending more than you earn. That in itself is a huge step.” — Gina H.

“Have a line item called “Amazon.” — Emily H.

Budgeting, like most things, takes work. But can we let you in on a little secret? The more work you put in by making adjustments, staying persistent, and being intentional, the simpler budgeting will become in the months and years to come. Stick with it because your money goals are within reach!

How to Get Your Spouse on Board With Budgeting

At some point, every couple disagrees about money. That’s normal. But maybe you and your spouse have such different views on money you’ve can’t even talk about it anymore without a fight.

You know it’s an unhealthy cycle, but you don’t know how to break it.

We’ve got a plan to help you find some middle ground. So if you’re ready to try again, here are five suggestions to get your spouse on board with budgeting:

How to Talk to Your Spouse About Budgeting

1. Talk about long-term goals, not budgeting. What goals do you want to achieve in the next five or 10 years? Travel to Tahiti? Pay for the kids’ college? Buy a new house? Without a budget, you’ll be doing them on credit—if at all. With a solid budget, you can save up and meet your long-term goals with a smile on your face. Goodbye, stress!

2. Make the budget, then ask for input. If you enjoy making the budget, by all means, make the budget. Just run it by your spouse for feedback afterward. This shows him or her that you value their opinion and need their input. And be open to changes and compromise!

3. Create a fun budget meeting. Budgets don’t have to be boring. Set a positive tone for your budget talk by scheduling it after your family’s favorite meal or heading to a great coffee shop together. Whatever you can do to trigger “this is fun,” do it! You’ll be surprised at how much more pleasant your meeting will be.

4. Play up the good stuff. Remind your spouse what you’re gaining by sticking to the budget. Here’s an example: “Hey, we kept our grocery bill to $400 this month. So that means we can knock out our credit card debt a month earlier. Great work!” Praising good behavior is a surefire way to have it repeated.

5. Be transparent. Set up a budget that allows you both easy access.

Discussing money can be hard, especially if you’re a natural saver and your spouse is a natural spender. But sometimes it’s more about how you talk about budgeting than anything else. So keep trying! Your budget—and your marriage—will be better for it.

The Monthly Budget Date: How to Talk About Money With Your Spouse

Ever experience one of those moments in marriage that really catches you off guard? The moment when the person you’re most comfortable with sets your heart aflutter even though you know them so well. And out of nowhere you get sweaty palms and your words don’t come out right.

Oh yes, you’ve got butterflies—the budgeting butterflies. Do you ever get those? There’s a nervous excitement that happens when talking about money with your spouse. And hey, that’s normal.

Still, we think it’s worth pushing through the awkwardness. A recent study found that couples are happier when they discuss money on a regular basis.¹

One of the best ways to make budgeting a normal topic of conversation in your home is to incorporate it into a date night. We’ll show you how!

Budgeting and Date Night . . . Isn’t That a Mood Killer?

Yeah, we get it. Talking money over a candlelit dinner doesn’t sound very enticing. It seems—until you try it—to be the ultimate oxymoron. But trust us! Dreaming about your financial future with your spouse has the potential to be really fun and romantic!

After all, by talking about money now you’re setting yourselves up for good times in the future. Plus, you’re warding off the number one predictor of divorce in America—money fights.² Ooh la la!

You can decide up front to have a great time on your budget date by avoiding the following:

  • A stiff atmosphere
  • Accusatory tones
  • One-sided conversation

Instead, choose to make your time together as positive and productive as possible.

How to Plan a First Budget Date You’ll Both Enjoy

Perfect your pickup line. You know your spouse better than anyone else, so you have background information you can use to woo him or her. Consider how your spouse feels about the idea of budgeting. Does he hate numbers and restrictions? Appeal to his sense of adventure. Is she the one who pays the bills and makes the money decisions? Surprise her by initiating the conversation.

You might say to your spouse, “I was thinking the other day about how one of my favorite things is to sit and talk with you. I love when we dream about the future and learn something new about each other in the process. Would you like to do that sometime soon without the distraction of kids or chores? We can make a date out of it!”

Set the stage. Do the normal “date night” stuff—clean up, wear that dress he loves or the shirt she bought you, and spritz yourself with a little smell-good. Then go the extra mile. If you have kids, schedule a sitter or ask the grandparents to watch them. If all else fails, set up a nice evening date on the deck or by the fireplace.

If you can leave the house, visit your local coffee or ice cream shop, grab dinner at a quiet restaurant, or walk through your favorite park. Pick a place that puts you both at ease—one that gives you the opportunity to really talk and, more importantly, to hear one another.

Make the most of your time together. Begin your date with a sincere compliment for your spouse and a question unrelated to money. Talk for a bit. Laugh, relax and—whenever you’re ready—strike up the money conversation.

Share your biggest hopes for the coming year and listen as your spouse shares theirs. Take your time, ask clarifying questions that encourage a thorough response, and consider what role finances play in reaching your goals. Then, and only then, discuss the details of your budget. Keep as you finalize your money plan for the next month.

End the date on a good note. After all budget compromises are made—with good attitudes, we hope!—it’s time to talk strategy for the weeks ahead. Decide how you’ll stick to the budget and how you’ll celebrate this milestone at month’s end.

Before returning to the fun of the evening, make plans to go on another budget date next month. That’s right—be consistent! Now, if the budget date is the only time you and your spouse have alone, may we suggest adding a “date” category to your budget so you two can go out on the town more regularly—and ASAP? You’ll thank us later.

Move Forward in Money and Marriage With a Year of Budget Dates

The best parts of your union are those that continue to grow with time. Get to know one another better with each budget date by following the conversation prompts below. Simply find the current month and dive right in!

January: What do you imagine our life will look like in 20 years?

February: When it comes to our finances, I could use some help in the area of . . .

March: If I showed up on the doorstep with a bouquet of dollar bills, how would you spend it?

April: Let’s brainstorm! How can we make budgeting easier for our family?

May: What money lessons do you hope to pass on to our kids?

June: What strengths do you think I bring to our financial situation?

July: I wish we spent less money on . . . I wish we spent more money on . . .

August: How could we better organize and store all of our money-related documents, passwords and contacts?

September: What were your parents’ views on money when you were growing up? How do you think this affects your view of money now?

October: How do you think we could up our savings game?

November: How can we prioritize the holidays so we spend less money and more time together?

December: What are your big money dreams and goals for next year?

Of course, you don’t have to wait until April to brainstorm budgeting ideas or October to kick your savings into high gear. If a particular topic is calling your name, answer the call!

Easy Ways to Boost Your Income

It’s probably no surprise to you that along with eating healthier and exercising more, many Americans are aiming to save money in 2018.¹ Are you one of them? Good news. We can help!

We’ll even let you in on a little secret: While you can certainly save money by spending less, you can hit your savings goals sooner by making more.

So, with whatever you’re saving for in mind—a home, a wedding, an emergency fund, aonce-in-a-lifetime trip, a new car, a couch, retirement, the ability to be more generous—get to work boosting your income and make 2018 the year you reach your savings goal.

How to Earn Extra Income

You may be thinking, I’d love to increase my income and save more money, but where do I even begin? Take a moment to consider what you already have, what you’re good at, and what you love to do. You might be surprised by the opportunities that are sitting there just waiting for you to take action.

To help you get started, here are some questions to ask yourself:

1. What do I own that someone else might like to buy?Think books, clothes, shoes, purses, jewelry, furniture, and kid/baby items. You can sell your stuff to a local consignment shop or used book store for cash or trade-in value.Even better? Connect with buyers online through sites like Poshmark, eBay, thredUP and more. With an eye for what others are looking for, you may be able to make selling used goods a profitable weekend business venture.

2. What skills can I offer to meet the needs of a company or individual?Consider your hobbies and abilities. Are you a natural organizer or decorator? Can you design websites, write copy, or perform administrative duties? Maybe you’re great with electronics or handy around the house.

Use your strengths to make life easier for a business or individual while also making some extra money for yourself.

3. What could I create that others would enjoy?Crafty people, take note: There are lots of folks who don’t create but do appreciate. These are your future customers.

Join a site like Etsy or Society6 to market your prints, quilts, woodwork, jewelry or other designs. And you food crafters out there? You can bake cakes and cookies for events or to sell at local markets.

Keep in mind, side jobs don’t have to come with a set number of hours. Ditch the idea that you can’t make extra income without five days a week to devote to the task.

If you have a busy schedule, look for work that’s flexible and will allow you to set your own hours—maybe even say no when you need to. You might try babysitting, pet sitting, teaching a class at your local gym, data entry, video captioning or secret shopping.

How to Find Extra Income

In addition to earning some extra dough, you can also boost your income by findingextra money. No, we’re not talking about pennies in between the couch cushions. We’re talking about the budget—aka our favorite way to make the most of your money. With a monthly budget, you decide up front and on purpose how to spend your income. That means you can choose, before your paycheck ever arrives, to put $100 toward your savings goal.

And before you begin doubting your ability to find an extra $100 in your budget, hear us say this: You’ll find it. Trust us. When you jot down every single dollar you expect to make and plan for how you’ll spend those dollars, you have the benefit of awareness. And when you’re aware, you might just decide to change your daily latte habit to a weekly habit and put that portion of your income—and those calories—to better use.

5 Ways Budgeting Makes You a Better Spouse

Watch any romantic comedy and you’ll see the leading couple put a lot of effort into impressing each other over the course of the movie. For example, he might take ballroom dancing lessons behind her back—and just when she’s about to confront him at his niece’s wedding reception, he holds out his hand and wows the room. Those small acts work almost every time! That’s because sincere effort goes a long way in getting—and keeping—the guy or girl.

Want to bring Hollywood home? Plan a monthly budget with your spouse. Wait! We’re serious. Guys, get ready to win the heart of your girl all over again. And ladies, your man won’t know what hit him.

Having and sticking to a budget will help you be a better spouse. Here’s why:

1. You’ll learn to work in your strengths. When it comes to budgeting, you both bring something to the table. Do you appreciate detail? Does the word budget give you a little thrill? Okay! You should crunch the budget numbers each month. Does your spouse see things with a keen eye? Does he like to ask questions and find the best answer? He’s your researcher for vacation deals, price comparisons, ways to earn extra income and more.

Divvy up the work and give yourselves little jobs along the way to make the big job—spending and saving wisely—much easier. By doing what you do best, you’re more likely to enjoy the process, ease the burden on your spouse, and see one another in the best possible light.

2. You’ll learn to compromise. Even with a solid budget, there’s bound to be bumps along the way. You want a couch and he wants a guitar. She’s a spender and you’re a saver. You’re both excited to take a trip but can’t agree on the length of time or amount of money to spend—never mind agreeing on where you’ll go.

In those moments, fight temptations to ditch the budget. Instead, work through your differences and come to a decision together based on the budget.

3. You’ll learn to trust more. Hopefully you already share a bank account, and now you share a budget. You determine ahead of time how much you’ll spend, how much you’ll save, and where all your money will go. Now it’s up to both of you to stick with the plan. And that takes loads of trust.

When you do what you say you’re going to do with your money, you build trust. And when you mess up and immediately tell your spouse about your mistake, trust skyrockets. You don’t have to worry because you know you have each other’s back—a secure feeling indeed.

4. You’ll learn to get creative. A budget encourages you to say yes to your future dreams and no to things you might want today. And while we all agree that patience pays off, sometimes you just want to “treat yo’self.” Maybe you’re hoping for a special date night, a kitchen makeover, a vehicle upgrade, or a weekend getaway. Or maybe, right now, fun to you sounds like getting out of debt—and fast!

With a little creativity you can use your money to reach your goals and have some fun along the way. Talk with your spouse about how you could save more and spend less, and about how you might earn extra cash on the front end. By considering all your options you become a more resilient couple, ready to face whatever comes your way.

5. You’ll learn to prioritize the important things. With a budget, your aim is zero. By that, we mean you put every dollar in a category so your income minus your expenses leaves not even a penny on the floor. To make this happen, you and your spouse have to be dialed in to your priorities.

You’ll talk through what matters most and learn what things you won’t even remember in a year or two. You might discover that, for your relationship, experiences hold greater value than stuff. Maybe you’ll realize your gym membership—even though it isn’t cheap—wins out over a big clothing budget. Prioritizing your money leads to prioritizing other things, too: your time, your love and one another.

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