Hey Reader!

Anyone who has tried to stick to a budget knows it can be challenging to stay within your spending limit. This is especially true when unexpected expenses appear, or you're trying to save for a long-term goal. One of the best ways to stay on track is to prioritize what is most important to you at this stage in your life. (Priorities can, and likely will, change in the future and that is 100% ok!.)

Here are a couple tips if you are just getting started with budgeting:

1. List our all of your regular bills and expenses. This would include the basics you need to keep yourself fed, and with a roof over your head such as rent or mortgage, utility bills, gas or public transportation, and groceries.
2. Recognize that some things may have to be put on the back burner for now. If you are just getting started, you likely may have more expenses than you do income. What can you pause or put on hold while you are getting started? Maybe that means cutting cable and all but one streaming subscription for the time being.
3. Set realistic goals. When trying to save money, setting realistic and achievable goals is essential. If you're unrealistic about how much you can save, you'll likely get discouraged and give up. Maybe you would love to have $10,000 in the bank but you are currently starting at zero. Instead of making your first goal $10k, what if you made it $250? Once you hit that goal, you will be motivated to keep going.
4. Budgeting is not about complete and total restrictions on fun. Remember to enjoy yourself. Although you’re working on setting up a budget, giving yourself treats and opportunities to look after your welfare is vital. Otherwise, you may find yourself throwing in the towel before you gain any momentum.

Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that these things take time. You didn't get to your current situation overnight and you won't get out of it overnight either. There will also likely be some setbacks along the way (hello car repair, I'm looking at you), but as long as you continue moving forward, you WILL see progress. And once you start to feel some of that progress, you will be motivated to keep going! Keep your eye on the end goal - a life where YOU are in control of your money. It's possible and I'm here cheering you on!

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Weekly Money Affirmation ​ ​ Money comes to me in expected and unexpected ways.

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