Expensive gifts, elaborate décor and holiday feasts can weigh heavily on your wallet. Don’t get discouraged! Try these tips to help you get back on track after the holidays!
- Limit your spending. You may have splurged a bit during the holidays, but now it’s time to cut back! Say no to frivolous spending. Instead of eating out, eat what you already have in your home for a month. Resist the temptation of buying clothes or shoes. Try doing this for one or two months and watch your savings grow!
- Give yourself an allowance. Put away the credit cards and only spend a set amount of cash. This strategy will help you control your spending. Calculate your monthly expenses and subtract that from your monthly (take-home) income. The money you have left over is your spending allowance. Try to focus on the necessities like gas and food; put the rest in a savings account.
- Challenge yourself! Set a goal and try to stick to it. If you normally spend $100 on food a week, try to spend $70 instead. Save the additional $30 and in 52 weeks (one year), you will have saved $1,560.