Flashback to high school me. I couldn't wait to graduate from school, go to college, get as far away from my parents as possible, and see the world and FINALLY be an adult! Four years later, I'm can't help but stress day and night just trying to keep up with this whole adult thing. Oh, how I wish I didn't wish to be an adult so soon.
But here we are!
As I currently am finishing up my last semester of college and moving out of my parents house, one of the most beneficial lessons I learned from university is budgeting.
Budgeting time and your money may seem like a chore the first couple of days. But by the third day you look back on how you used your precious time and realize that the 3 hours you thought you would do your homework, you actually had Netflix on in the background and rewatched Friends and got no homework done...Also by day three you look back at what you spent your very low college student income on and realize that it actually makes sense why you gained weight after high school.
Budgeting throughout your day takes maybe thirty seconds to write down what you did this hour, and what you spent $3.95 on. It may look like a small number but when you are stressing yourself out about finances, there's a lot you can actually do with that $3.95 if you just save it for two weeks.
Here's some tips that I've noticed during my experience of budgeting. Take note because in the long run, these might actually help you too.
1. DO start!
Even if it's the late afternoon by the time you are reading this it's never too late to pick up a piece of paper and a pen and write down what you're doing.
2. DON'T give yourself a break.
Budgeting can be brutal for a while and sometimes you can get embarrassed. But just because you go a week of writing down everything, it's not break time. You have to push yourself to keep on going!
3. DO be honest!
Don't round down the amount you paid for that energy drink. If you sat down meaning to do your homework and instead you surfed Buzzfeed videos for two hours, then write down that you watched two hours of videos.
4. DON'T compare or contrast your situation from your parents or friends.
Everyone's situation is different. Different jobs, different income, kids, no kids, etc. The list of differences goes on and each situation comes with its own struggles sometimes but this is not about THEM. It's about you.
5. DO reflect on the last couple of days.
This may seem like an excerpt from a self-help pamphlet but really, this reflection time is very important. This is when you take note of how you REALLY spend your precious time. You know how you say, "there's not enough time in the day to get EVERYTHING done!"?
And while I do know some amazing momma's who have a ton of little one's running around causing mayhem who I think are allowed to use this statement, for a majority of us we have far too much free time. Time that we think is busy but really as we reflect we realize that if we pushed ourselves to not turn on Netflix as we do our work, time could actually be our friend.
6. DON'T "Reward" yourself yet.
This includes buying yourself a $4 coffee from Dutch Bros or buying those aloe infused tissues rather than the cheaper tissues. Yes, you started this process and that's great! Give yourself a pat on the back but just because you save three dollars here, doesn't mean you spend it later that week on something else that is of no value.
7. DO look for ways to save money on healthier foods.
Healthy foods can be more expensive. But a little can go a long way. Eating healthier foods comes with benefits that can make this process actually easier. Including the natural energy that comes from these foods. Energy that not only helps you get and stay motivated but also makes you feel good.
8. DON'T give up on yourself!
Even if it's only been three days, you are already in a better position than you were at the beginning! Don't give up on yourself! In the long run, you and your bank account will thank you!
9. DO go a couple of days without drinking a glass of wine at dinner.
Alcohol is one of the most expensive things we put in our grocery carts. Even the cheaper bottles of wine or other liquors is still an expense that can be used for something else. Like the gas in your car.
Just by limiting yourself on how often you drink and purchase alcohol your body and your budget will be benefitted. I admit that for myself this one was a little hard because I love my wine! But I've enjoyed having a little extra cash in my pocket just from skipping that aisle.
10. DON'T do it alone.
In most cases having an accountability partner comes in handy. This is one of those cases. Get a buddy or your spouse or significant other to do it as well.
11. DO remember why you started this journey.
Is it because you can barely afford rent? Or you need to save money to send your kid to college? Or maybe you just need the extra spending money to get a babysitter so you and your honey can go out on a date. Remember why you started this journey and hold to that and each day it will get easier.
