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Whenever the word “budgeting” is mentioned, most of us actually cringe. Nobody wants to see 70 to 90% of their pet creature comforts go down the refuse bin among all the lifestyle cuts that need to be made in favor of creating a sane, workable budget that could allow for one to be able to set aside money for savings, more so
for long-term investments.
However, we have to face the fact that in a world with increasing needs and wants, increasing inflation rates, and currently struggling economies, one needs to tighten his belt, streamline his life, and find ways to be able to budget effectively and like it.
Fortunately, there are ways to enjoy living on a budget, much more creating one. There are things to look forward to, actually. Fun things like discovering new ways to save money, making a challenge out of being able to stretch one's budget, and finding creative and resourceful ways to save and even earn more.
For this article, we'll focus on being able to find ways to save on creature comforts.
In a stressed-out, tiresome, crazy, wearisome week, what would one usually look forward to, on the weekends? Eating out? Taking trips to somewhere? Movies? Well, eating out costs a lot. Taking trips would definitely cost even more. So what is there left to do, to help one escape from life, even for just an hour or so? How about going to the movies?
Well, the tickets do cost around $10 a pop. That could already pay for a month's worth of webhosting services, software license, or a month's subscription to Netflix.com, where you could watch as many movies as you could handle in a month. And to think that Netflix only charges $8.99 a month. Versus your single 2-hour movie at $10, one-time use only. The only difference? The screen size, the comfort of the seats, and you have to pop your popcorn yourself. Oh come on, your couch is definitely more comfortable than the popcorn-greased seats in your local theater. And nevermind the screen size. A movie is a movie is a movie.
Not fully convinced yet? Well, here's a
Netflix review to help you on. And when you realize how much you're missing out, and how much you are actually bleeding out for the love of a weekend escape, go ahead and sign up for Netflix.com so that you can start enjoying unlimited movies month in and month out!
Another thing that could help you work towards creating a stash of savings would be to use coupons for your purchases. Why pay full price, when you can buy your needs, even wants, for much less? Overstock.com sells unsold stock items online, and their prices are unbeatable. To sweeten the deal, I have here
Overstock coupon codes to help you get deeper discounts on your purchases. They have everything from clothes, to gadgets, and down to garden tools. Yes, folks, you can use your
Overstock coupon codes to buy items from A to Z.
Cutting corners, budgeting, and scrimping every which way you can should not be done without a goal, however. But more than saving for that iPad or that Macbook Pro, you have to have a higher goal than that. Why not try building a stock portfolio? Or at least, a high interest savings account? This way, you'll be able to keep your finances in a place where it'll do more than just sit and wait for when you'll spend it: your money will earn its keep in the high interest rate savings or investment account you choose to keep it in. To start with this goal, you have to find out the
savings account rates that the different banks have. Take note that not all savings accounts are made equal, so make sure that you've fully determined the savings accounts rates for the banks in your area, the choose the highest-yielding banks to invest your money in. When you've figured this out and determined which bank to settle on, then you can then start seeing your money grow.
Life is more than being able to have the next cool gadget right here, right now. It's also about being prepared for the future. About leaving an inheritance for your children. About living it to the full, living it for what counts: your loved ones. Isn't it better to live it financially abundant, financially independent, financially free and secure, thanks to living with prudence through living on a budget? So start choosing even your wants with prudent spending and cheaper alternatives in mind, and you'll be well on your way to living your life to the fullest, aided by a wisely thought and lived-out budget. See, I told you! Budgeting CAN be fun!
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