What WASN’T working: Thoughtless spending. Those coffees you could make at home, but don’t. The lunches or snacks you grab on a work break that you don’t really need, but get anyway cause…it’s 2pm…you deserve a little boost. All of that adds up. And before you know it, you’ve spent $$ but with nothing to show for it.
What’s WORKED for me:
Monthly check-in with our budget (be honest, or it doesn’t work)
Modify your spending—you can still have that 2pm treat or coffee outside…but if it’s daily, make it a goal of only 2 times a week? Then adjust as needed.
24hr rule: Give it 24hrs on purchases that aren’t budgeted. If you’re not thinking about it after 24hrs, you prob didn’t really need it.
Use cash—it makes you feel the spending differently.
Rinse + Repeat