Do you find that it is rather hard for you to stick to your budget?
The budget that you set for yourself should be realistic. It’s not something you can do overnight, it’s a process you have to get used to on a regular.
Your budget should not feel as if you are keeping money away from you but a means to secure yourself a better future.
Once you are finished creating a budget, following through is the next step.
How to stick to your budget?
So, how to stick to your budget? Here, I share 4 ways how you can stick to your budget.
1. Use visual reminders
Visual reminders help you see the bigger picture which is, investing in your own future.
Whether it’s a photo of your dream car, a place you want to travel to, a house, anything else that you are saving up for.
It can also be as simple as a piggy bank where you keep loose change and maybe loose bills as well.
Seeing how much you are able to save or what you are saving up for can help you focus on sticking to your budget.
2. Make it a game
Depending on your budget plan, you can accomplish your desired amount of money saved by challenging yourself.
You can set to save a certain amount of money per day, week, or month.
There is that rush when you don’t want to lose, especially to yourself; and that rush when you are able to achieve a goal.
You’ll be surprised how much you can save if you see budgeting as a game.
3. Take your budget with You
You may have it all figured out in your head but it makes a huge difference when you plot it on paper or a computer.
Another way you can follow your budget is by writing it down. By doing this, you can cross-check all purchases, bills, debts, etc. against it anytime and anywhere.
Reviewing it weekly or monthly can also help you stay on track and from falling through the cracks
4. Don’t deprive yourself
In the end, it still boils down to realistically planning your budget.
You can drastically cut your budget to reach your goal faster but it can lead to budget burn-out.
If you feel deprived, you are more likely to overspend.
Allot an amount for fun stuff each month. For example, eating out, watching movies or a short family trip.
You work hard for your money so it is just right that you spend wisely on yourself as well.
Final thoughts
In summary, it is actually not that difficult to stick to your budget.
Even though at first, most people will find it a little bit hard when all they are thinking about are those gloomy thoughts.
But, as you continue and progress further, you will find that you are going to enjoy the journey. Especially when you started to see the impact of following your budget.
Enjoy this article? You can find more similar articles on CompareHero, a portal dedicated to raising financial literacy in our country and to helping everyday Malaysians make smarter and well-informed financial decisions in life.
