- Piggy-backing off of the initial post, I advise on meal-planning for weeknights so you know you have absolutely everything in your kitchen to make a certain meal and are not tempted to just go out. Look for easy meals done in no more than a half hour (including prep time) and plan ahead. - Personal Tip Jars/Piggy Banks. Explore your purse each night/end of the week and dump in any loose change and bills. If you're like me and need it out of sight so you aren't tempted to spend the money, stash it away in your closet or under the bed. Put a sign on it that says "DO NOT SPEND!" or, in my case when I was saving money, "TRIP TO IRELAND FUND!" it was a reminder of what I was saving for :)      

As entrepreneuresses hot in the throes of launch- we can relate. Things we've done:

1. Never grocery shop hungry and ALWAYS have a list. Also better for your waistline.

2. Make big meals with bulk items and freeze.

3. Treat yourself once a week or month in a small way. Latte? Fancy new undies? If you constantly restrict, it just increases the chances you feel cheap and worthless. For us, it generally means a budget-blowing splurge is imminent.

4. Find non-monetary ways to reward yourself and feel rich. Indulge in a used book, hot bubble bath, quiet me-time, a walk or hike somewhere beautiful, tea in the park with friends instead of fancy dinner out, play in a playground, make fancy cocktails at home with friends instead of a bar, trade home massages or mani/pedis with your Jack/Jill, be creative!

5. Take money out of it- Chances are your friends have skills, trade them! Is there anything you can trade on skill instead of money? Ok, not that, anything else?

6. If you have some work to do, dress up a little, go to a super fancy hotel and chill in the lobby or restaurant in the off-hours. Buy a coffee/tea and just do work in a luxurious place. Does wonders for the psyche. Plus, you get served on like royalty and didnt' blow the budget on an overnighter.

7. Track your total expenditures for a month. Some places we spend money is eye-opening if you actually track every penny.

8. Consignment and resale stores seem chock full of style these days. Perhaps instead of selling the yacht, some wealthy folk are selling last years Versace. Works for me!

 

Get a bank account that puts money away into your savings account every time that you use your debt card. When I use my first bank debit card it puts five dollars in my savings account. I lableled my savings account "Untouchable"