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. Once you've got a clear picture of your current expenses (both non-discretionary and discretionary), you'll need to start prioritizing your expenditures. Think about the things that you don't really need, but like to treat yourself on. It's okay to spend occasionally on these personal expenses (in fact, occasionally treating yourself may make you feel more satisfied with your life's situation), but you need to prioritize them and recognize that you may not be able to realistically indulge every week. If you've gotten used to a certain way of living, it's best to make financial sacrifices gradually so that the transition is easier. For example, if you're used to buying yourself a fancy coffee everyday, cut back over time: drop it to every other day for a week, then twice a week, then once a week. Bring your own coffee and lunch/snack to work every day instead of ordering out. Just bringing a thermos of coffee and a bagel every day can save you approximately $25 each week, or about $100 every month! Get a water filter and carry a water bottle with you instead of buying bottled water. This can save you quite a bit of money, depending on how often you buy bottled water. Remember that cutting back doesn't necessarily mean depriving yourself of things you love for the rest of your life. Instead of a daily indulgence, try making it a weekly indulgence; if you had a big weekly splurge, try making it a once a month (or every other month) splurge. Don't fall into the trap of thinking that you can spend more on your indulgences because you enjoy them less often. It's important to stick to your monthly budget and only spend the amount you've set aside for those occasional splurges. If you go into a store without any plan, there's a good chance you'll overspend, no matter what you're shopping for. Seeing in the store that something is on sale, or simply prominently displayed, shouldn't justify throwing your budget out the window. Always make a shopping list before you leave home, no matter what you're shopping for (groceries, clothing, etc.). You may want to allow yourself to indulge in occasional impulse purchases, but set a limit: allow yourself no more than, say, $10 for things that you didn't put on the list. Make yourself wait a few hours or even a few days before deciding on an expensive impulse purchase. For example, if you go to the store for a new work shirt, think it over for a few days before grabbing a pair of designer jeans that are on sale. Try using cash for your shopping trips instead of a debit/credit card. Carrying cash can help you limit how much you spend, especially if you restrict how much cash you have in your wallet. It's easy to fall into a routine of just running to the store when you need something. But this can cause you to inadvertently overpay for many items, and that excess can add up over the days and weeks of each month. Compare prices before you commit to buying an item. If you check online, through newspaper advertisements, or in another store, you'll probably find that item considerably cheaper somewhere else. Check for coupons, mail-in rebates, and other discounts at both your usual stores and at their competitors. Also check online, as some retailers offer online-only discounts that won't be applied in stores. If there's an item you want but you can't find an affordable price anywhere, try looking for a closely related item. It may not be the brand or model you wanted, but it will serve the same purpose and probably look just as good. Research items before you buy them. Check customer reviews and look for any problems so you'll know whether an item will be durable enough to last. If you need a new item, like a piece of furniture or an article of clothing, you should certainly compare prices between competing retailers. However, you may not have thought to check at local resale stores. Buying an item used from a thrift store, pawn shop, or some other second-hand store can net you impressive savings while still getting a functional, high-quality piece of merchandise. Getting things used extends beyond thrift stores and yard sales. You can also borrow many things for free: rent books, movies, and CDs from your local library for free! Remember that an item is still useful and stylish, whether you get it second hand or pay full price for it brand new. The only difference, ultimately, is how much you pay for it.
Cut back on unnecessary spending Learn to be a self-controlled shopper. Get the best deals. Look for used items when possible.