Learn how to pay off debt and how to invest in index funds
TIPS TO SAVE MONEY
1. Create Your Vision
2. Track Your Spending
2. Track Your Spending
Focusing on your vision gives you confidence your hard work is worth it.
Focusing on your sacrifice makes it much more difficult.
Know your "why". Why are you doing this?
The stronger your "why" is, the greater probability of your success.
2. Track Your Spending
2. Track Your Spending
2. Track Your Spending
Do you ever wonder where your money went?
Maybe you took out cash at the ATM, went grocery shopping, or went out with friends, and now you have nothing left from your pay check.
This happens to many people.
Start writing down every expense, and your eyes will be opened.
3. Prioritize
2. Track Your Spending
4. Appreciate What You Have
You don't have to give up everything.
You just need to realize what's most important.
Determine your:
1. Needs
2. High priority wants
3. Low priority wants
Compare your actual spending to your priorities. Are they aligned?
4. Appreciate What You Have
6. Look at the Small Expenses
4. Appreciate What You Have
Practicing gratitude is a great way to reduce spending.
When you recognize everything you have, you don't feel the need to buy as much.
We naturally take so much for granted, but taking a few minutes a day to recognize those small things in your life has a huge impact.
5. Pay Cash for Everything
6. Look at the Small Expenses
6. Look at the Small Expenses
When you're in debt and swiping a credit card, you don't feel the pain of the lost cash.
I know this because this is how I felt. I knew I had a pile of debt, and I had no idea how to pay if off. One more charge didn't seem like much.
Pay for cash to make your purchases more tangible.
6. Look at the Small Expenses
6. Look at the Small Expenses
6. Look at the Small Expenses
Every expense matters.
When you gain control of the small expenses, you can gain control of the large expenses.
I found savings through replacing coffee cups, eating at home more, lowering my thermostat, and driving less.
Every dollar you don't spend is an additional dollar you can put on the debt balance.
7. Increase Your Credit Score
7. Increase Your Credit Score
7. Increase Your Credit Score
Some expenses can be significantly reduced with a higher credit score:
- Rent
- Interest rates
- Insurance
8. Say NO to fees
7. Increase Your Credit Score
7. Increase Your Credit Score
You may not think small fees add up, but they do.
ATM fees:
$4/fee x 10x a month x 12 months = $480
Late fees:
$30/fee x 1x a month x 12 months = $360
Overdraft fees:
$25/fee x 2x a month x 12 months = $600