Finding tips for living on a small budget can be hard because there are hundreds of tips and suggestions out there, which can prove as helpful as it is overwhelming. In fact, sometimes you don’t even know where to start in sorting through them. You don’t need to look far and wide to find great ways to save money so that you have money for more than just the necessities.
If you have ever lived on a small budget, you know that you often feel strained. This is especially true if you’re being forced to transition to a smaller budget from a larger, more extravagant budget. Start small and get the support of your spouse or another family member, if you’re single. Trying to live on a small budget without the help and support of your family is next to impossible so let them know you’re trying to make the best of your financial situation and that you need their support. Ask for their understanding, when there are things you just cannot do or get for them.
You can find tips for living on a small budget everywhere. If you are just starting out and trying to create your first small budget and make everything work, find a book at your local library for reference and pointers or go to a news channel’s website. These places often have some tips that overwhelm you. If you have a book full of tips, start out practicing one tip and slowly work your way through the book. You might prefer to read the entire book or just skim through it and find the tips you think will be the most helpful and try one at a time.
Budget Cutting
After you have gotten the hang of things, try searching websites. You can start by going to a search engine or you might try one or all of these websites:
Frugalvillage.com – This site has forums, blogs and great articles on just about everything you would want to know about saving money and living on a budget. You can ask questions about situations you’re dealing with and get them answered by people who are going through the same thing. You can also share stories and suggestions that might help others.
Wisebread.com – This website has discussions, blogs and forums on living within a budget. You will find coupons, suggestions and tips galore on this site. One cool feature on this site is that it breaks down the newest laws passed by Congress that impact you, the consumer. It also talks about how to live better on less.
Mommysavers.com – This site, geared toward mommies, features forums and advice about how to save money for the whole family. There are coupons and codes that you can get to help save money, suggestions for re-using items, ideas for living large and doing more with less.
When you are living on a small budget, remember the necessities must come first. Use coupons, make meal plans, plan your route before you leave the house and be conscious of where you’re spending your money. Don’t go to extremes and deprive yourself just because you don’t have a lot of money. Try some of these ideas when you are re-doing your budget, trying to find money you don’t think you have or are trying to figure out the best way to make sure that you are getting the most out of your money.
richard says
For some tongue-in-cheek money saving tips, here’s an instructional video:
http://bit.ly/ozqT6
Money Saving Tips says
Thanks for sharing such great post, we are earning without any of the future plans and spend it without any of the thought of tomorrow. According to me budgeting and minimize the use of credit card is the best way to save money.