NATIONAL SAVINGS DAY

8 simple ways to budget better so you can save more!

The way you budget and manage your finances is important because it directly impacts the way you live. Like many other routines, forming good financial ethics is created by developing habits. National Savings Day was created as a way to help others feel more confident in taking control of their finances as well as share and promote ways to integrate saving into your everyday life.  

Today we’ll be sharing a guideline on how to be more mindful of spending and the tools we use to manage finances, budget, and save! 

1. RECORD YOUR EXPENSES

Living in a digital world, it has become so easy to shop online, use credit cards, and lose track of expenses with autopay. The first step to managing expenses is to actually see them! Recording your expenses is a great way to start visually seeing where your money goes. Monitor and note your electronic spending and keep track of receipts from in-person purchases with this pack of Budget Snap-In Envelopes. Store these in your planner for record keeping!

Dedication is key so make sure to write down your expenses no matter how big or small. We love using a Classic Budget Planner to keep track of our spending. It’s great for writing down expenses at the end of the day. You can even start whenever you want with an undated planner that is perfect for everyday use so you can record purchases as you move along with your day. Not ready to commit to a dedicated budget planner? No worries! This Classic Budget Filler Paper and Classic Budget Extension Pack will introduce you to expense tracking so you don’t feel overwhelmed.

2. IDENTIFY BAD HABITS

Now that you can see where you’re spending, identify recurring bad habits. This can mean impulse purchases when you’ve had a bad day, spending too much on takeout and dining out, or buying items that are wants rather than needs. By tracking expenses, you’ll be able to call out areas for improvement. 

3. FIND WAYS TO CUT SPENDING

Now that you’ve identified bad habits, find ways to cut your spending! Take the time to create meal plans so you don’t turn to last minute food runs, try a DIY home manicure instead of going to the salon, or eliminate a streaming service that you don’t use often. Identify spots where you can cut and put those extra funds toward your savings account or for paying off any debt!

TIP: If you’re not feeling creative, the Classic Guided Budget Journal include helpful trackers for you to try! 

4. SET SAVINGS GOALS

It’s hard to put work and effort toward anything if there’s no goal. Create savings goals for yourself. It can be working toward student loans or credit card debt or a set amount you’d like to save monthly. Set goals and track your debts easily with this Debt Payoff Filler Paper that will help you get organized. Write down this goal as a reminder to save now so you can spend later!

5. CREATE INCENTIVES

As part of your goal, work toward something you’ve been wanting. It can be for something major like a car or something small like a nice night out. By being intentional with a goal, you can work toward something you’ve been dreaming of while feeling motivated to do so. 

6. BUDGET FOR SAVINGS

Just like you budget for expenses like rent, utility, and monthly payments, it’s also important to include savings. If you can, add to your savings account on a weekly, monthly, or quarterly basis--whatever works for you! Just be sure to keep it in your mindset to dedicate room in the budget to account savings.  

7. MONITOR PROGRESS

So now you’ve been recording your expenses, found ways to cut spending, and are including savings into your budget. Stay motivated and make it fun with this Budget Sticker Book that is filled with inspirational quotes and stickers to help you track progress. Monitor your progress and see if it’s working for you or if you need to pivot. Life happens and it’s okay if you can’t add to your savings account monthly. Give yourself grace in this process and don’t feel bad if you can’t hit your goal when you planned to. 

8. KEEP GOING

The hardest part of saving and budgeting is consistency. It can be a task to record expenses and put energy toward living a more financially conscious life, however it’ll be beneficial in the long run. We’re here with you for the ride! You got this! 

Budgeting and saving is no easy task but if you’re up for the challenge, we promise it will be worth it. Our Happy Planner community is always looking for ways to budget and save so please share your tips and tricks with us on social @the_happy_planner so we can all support each other on this journey!

Happy Planning!