Hi Dolls,

     

With the way we spend our money on a day to day basis it should come as no surprise that there are many easy ways to cut back.  Also as we get our daily spending under control we will begin to have the confidence to look for more significant ways to cut our expenses.  But first things first.  Consider these 5 suggestions as a means to guide and get a handle on your day to day spending.

     PUT YOURSELF ON AN ALLOWANCE.

     Allowances aren't just for kids.  One of the best ways to get your spending under control is to monitor and limit the amount of cash you spend on incidental day to day items, many of which are unnecessary.  Figure out how to spend your day to day cash, look at purchases that can be avoided or reduced and put yourself on an allowance.  Start each Monday with a set amount of money that should last you for a week.  Of course if you run out of money you will take out more spending cash, but at least your impulse to excess will be tempered by the realization that you've exceeded your present limit.

     DON'T CARRY EXCESS CASH

     All too often the extra cash people carry for "emergencies "ends up being spent on frivolities.  You really don't need to carry a lot of cash.  Keep it in the bank, where it can earn interests. If you don't trust banks a nice safety deposit or safe in your home will do.

     USE YOUR ATM MACHINE SPARINGLY

    ATM machines are convenient, but do you know that they can be expensive?  An increasing number of banks are assessing charges for each use of the ATM machine. At some banks if you get cash back at let's say a local drugstore, you are charged an ATM fee. Find out your banks policy, and if you're paying for the privilege, keep your ATM machine visits to a minimum.

     MAINTAIN A SUFFICIENT BALANCE IN YOUR CHECKING ACCOUNT TO AVOID MONTHLY FEES

     Chances are your bank will waive it's monthly checking account fees if you maintain a sufficient balance in the account.  If not, you can certainly find a bank that does.  Even if you fail to balance your account on one occasion, you may call the bank and request the fee be waived. It may seem like a lot to keep up the balance.  But compare that against the fees you'll other wise be assessed.  Usually you're far better off keeping the sufficient level to waive the fees than you are by having that money earning interest somewhere.

     PUT AWAY YOUR CHECK BOOK 

     Lastly, the greater the distance you can place between yourself and your check book or debit card (not to mention your credit cards), the less the temptation there will be to spend money for something you don't need. 

    Ladies these are some tips that will help you with your initial day to day impulses to over spend but it is up to you to use them.  Until next time Dolls be well and be safe.

XOXO

Nikki