When you finally do check your bank balance, you may be surprised to see how low it is. You don’t have affluenza and aren’t spending lavishly. You aren’t dining at the Ritz. You aren’t flying to Paris every year. You don’t drive a Mercedes-Benz. So, where is all of your money going? Here are some starting points as you begin your search for budget leaks, along with some tips for how to get your budget under control (or start one, depending on where you are in your financial journey).
Discovering Your Budget Leaks
Start your search for budget leaks by asking yourself a few questions about your day-to-day spending.
How Much Do You Pay for a Haircut?
Did you shop around for the cheapest barber or hair salon, or did you opt for the best service you could find? Similarly, do you seek out deals for clothes and wear them as long as possible, or do you frequently swap out your wardrobe with new styles? Haircuts and clothes are necessary expenditures, but you may be paying more than you need to for them.
Do You Buy Coffee Every Day?
Many people swing through a local coffee shop on their way to work in the morning, even though they could make coffee at home for a fraction of the cost. You can add bottled water to this category; you could fill up a water bottle with tap water instead. Excessive snacking and dessert foods could also be clandestinely draining your budget.
How Often Do You Buy Lunch?
Forgoing a packed lunch in favor of eating out on your lunch break can quickly drain your funds. Even if you aren’t going to a fancy restaurant, those fast-food burgers and food truck burritos add up. Putting in the effort to pack a lunch in the morning can save you a lot of money over a month.
Do You Drive Everywhere?
If you live in a city, you might be able to walk to your destination—but maybe you choose to drive anyway. Walking saves money on gas, as will shopping around for car insurance to compare quotes. Buying a fuel-efficient car will save you money when you do have to drive. You may even be able to ditch the car altogether and opt for public transit instead.
Budgets That Help Control Spending
As you ask yourself what spending is necessary and what isn’t, keep in mind that it isn’t “wrong” to treat yourself. You shouldn’t feel bad if you enjoy nice clothes or fancy meals. The point is to control those expenses so that you don’t go overboard and drain your funds. This is where budgeting comes into play. The core of budgeting is prioritizing—cut the expenses that are less important to you, and you’ll have room in your budget for the spending that matters most to you. Here are a few of the most popular types of budgets, and whom they work best for:
The 80/20 Budget: Good for people who want a quick, simple budget plan. Budgeting Worksheets: Good for people who want to optimize, and those who are detail-oriented. The 50/30/20 Budget: Good for people who are “in the middle” and want to add some detail to their budgeting.
