Paycheck comes in and then it goes! Where does all the money go? Debt management is among everyone’s financial priority. Having this in mind it is important to know good strategies to control spending.
Follow our credit counseling strategies to control spending.
Strategies to Control Spending
Knowing strategies to control spending and eliminating bad money habits is the key to financial success and path to debt relief. The most important step when it comes to spending is practicing self-control. Think before you buy. Before making a purchase, decide whether it is a need or a want.
So what are some strategies to control spending?
- Track spending– Tracking where your money goes can be easy. Certain money-saving apps will help you track what you are spending your money on so you can see where to cut back.
- Cash only– To help control spending, take out only the money you need. By using cash, you are able to physically see your money leave your hands and you won’t be left with any surprises.
- Budget– It is important to have a budget. By creating a budget, you are creating a spending plan to ensure you always have enough money for necessities.
- Have a list – Make a list of what you need before you go shopping and stick to it. This will help you avoid “impulse buys”; items you didn’t plan to purchase but that got your attention anyway.
- Ask yourself if you need it– When shopping online, don’t buy things without considering if you really need them. If you are tempted to buy an item, put it in your cart. Then wait a few hours or a few days and think it over.
- Compare prices – Comparison shop before you buy, especially when you are making big purchases. Check out a few stores and online options to find the best price and look at similar items.
- Live within your means– Only spend what you have. Maybe it is time to stop using your credit card altogether and stick to your debit card or cash.
- DIY – If you have a project around the house, do some research and fix it yourself instead of spending the extra money to have someone do it for you.
- Understand needs vs wants – Needs are the things we can’t survive without, like housing, clothing, and food. Wants are the things that will make our life more pleasurable but we can survive without them, such as travel and entertainment.
If you’re struggling to pay off debt, ACCC can help. Schedule a free credit counseling session with us today.
