Make saving money a priority!

We've all heard the phrase, "I can do anything if I put my mind to it!" Well saving money is no different. Regardless of your income, you can save money but it takes discipline! You have to make a firm decision to save and stick to it!

- Pay yourself first.

Make sure that your budget contains a line for saving and do not make it an option. Pay yourself like you pay a monthly bill, even if you have to make it an automatic option. If you're not good at managing money, I do not recommend the automatic option though.

Set up a budget.

- Gather your monthly bills and incorporate them into your budget.

- Also, note the due dates for these expenses. Avoid paying late at all costs!

- Think about all of the categories you spend money on. Some examples are: Restaurants, Grocery, Health Expenses, Insurance, Entertainment, Grooming, Clothing, Gifts, etc.

- Google "budget templates" for sample budgets.

- Make sure that your expenses does not exceed the income you earn.

Give some away.

- I am a firm believer in paying tithes, which is 10% of earned income. Any financial book you read will advise you that a sure fire way to receive and retain money is through charitable giving to others. Whether it be to a religious institution, your favorite non-profit organization, or to somebody you know in need, it should always be a part of your budget.

Open a checking/savings account that does not have membership fees.

- Seems like a no-brainer, but you'll be surprised.

Kill debt!

- Saving by its very nature is surplus or having an excess. Until your current debt is leveled to $0, it will be very hard to actually save money, however it IS very possible to set money aside while tackling your debt at the same time.

- Get rid of credit card debt! The interest rates alone have the ability to keep you in financial bondage forever.

- Set up a savings goal and include dates as well.

Shave, shave, shave!!

- Take a look at your budget and shave it down so that you can increase the amount of money you save and the amount of money you put towards your current budget.

- Look to save and:

- Prepare food at home or eat at home before heading to social events.

- Never go grocery shopping while you're hungry.

- Try out generic brands.

- Change your cell phone, internet plans.

- STOP using credit cards!

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