Tips to Help You Stop Living Beyond Your Means

June 12, 2024

Living beyond your means by spending more than you earn is a tough trap to escape. It can lead to mounting debt, stress, and financial ruin if left unchecked. Here are some practical tips to help rein in overspending:

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Track Your Expenses

The first step is awareness – you can’t fix what you don’t measure. Track every dollar you spend for 1-2 months using an app or spreadsheet. Categorize expenses to see where the money is going. This helps identify areas to cut back.

Make a Budget

Creating a realistic budget based on your actual income and expenses is key. Be sure to budget for needs, wants, savings, and debt repayment. A budget provides structure and accountability to your spending.

Pay Yourself First

Before you start spending each month, pay yourself by setting aside money for savings, retirement, and debt repayment. Automate transfers to these accounts. Whatever is left is what you have to work with for the month.

Avoid Temptation

Remove online payment methods and credit cards from apps and websites to curb impulse spending. Unsubscribe from promotional emails. Don’t shop as a leisure activity. The less temptation, the better.

Wait 24 Hours Before Large Purchases

When you want to buy something expensive, force yourself to wait 24 hours before purchasing. This pause helps the initial excitement fade so you can evaluate whether you really need it and can afford it.

Start Saying No

Practice turning down invites to dinners, concerts, trips, and other events that carry a large price tag. Suggest cheaper get-togethers like potlucks or free activities. Just saying no gets easier with time.

Assess Needs vs. Wants

Before each purchase, ask yourself if it’s a need or a want. Stick to necessities only. Apply this to smaller purchases too so they don’t add up.

Give Yourself an Allowance

Implement an allowance system where you transfer a set discretionary amount to your checking account each week or month. Once it runs out, no more fun spending until the next allowance.