Real Talk | Budgeting

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Ahh. The "B" word.

BUDGET.

Doesn't it just send chills up and down your spine?
(And not in a good way)

Considering that I quit my full-time job last September to start my own company, we've had to be extra careful with our pennies this year (and will continue to be for the foreseeable future).  While Levi and I aren't anal organized enough to input every single purchase into a spreadsheet with categories like "groceries", "gas", and "parking tickets" (yes, that last category would be completely necessary in our household), we do make a very conscious effort to pay attention to how and when we are spending to make sure it's done responsibly.  Over the past few months, we've implemented a few new habits that really make a difference to our bottom line.

I know what y'all are thinking.

"Didn't that hoochie just get back from two weeks in Europe?  Doesn't sound like she is the best person to be doling out budgeting advice."

You're right.  But don't you want to know HOW we had the money to take that very expensive trip?
 Read on.

Cancel Cable

When Levi first suggested this, I threw my hands in the air and yelled "I would rather die!".  Hm, dramatic much?  In reality, canceling cable has been the easiest and most effective way to cut back on our budget.  We signed up for a Netflix subscription for $8 a month, thus saving us $72 every single month (and $864 a year*).  Honestly?  We watch just as much TV as we did when we had cable, except now we're enjoying more quality programming.  Think less Real Housewives, more House of Cards.  Sure we miss some live events, but all in all, this was the best decision we made for our wallets (and our minds).

No "Extra" Groceries

Simply put, we** don't buy any snack food.  No chips, cookies, no soda.   We buy what we need for meals and that's about it.  Not only does this fatten our wallets, but it also shrinks our waistline.  Levi has lost almost 20lbs since we stopped buying snacks! I haven't been so lucky, but not having junk in the house helps me stay on track.  It also prevents mindless eating -- before I eat leftovers "just because", I think about the costs and how that could easily equate to another meal.  Granted, there are just two of us and I could see this being much more difficult for those of you with little mouths to feed.  We also don't eat out very often -- maybe twice a month or so on average (and upscale restaurants are few and far between). 

 Essentials Only

Beauty products are my weakness.  I'm always looking for the next best thing, which can lead to some unnecessary expenditures.  Lately, I've been focusing on using up what items I already own.  Hopefully, this also results in some more space in my bathroom drawers!  I only buy something new if I'm replacing an essential item that I've used up.  I just recently replaced a lot of my essentials at the Sephora F&F sale in the fall, so I should be set for quite a while.

Utilities

If we leave the room, we turn out the light.  Our house always a little uncomfortable, temperature-wise***.  It may not be much, but it adds up.

Clothes & Decor

Ugh, shopping.  This is the hardest area for me, no doubt.  I like to shop when I'm happy, shop when I'm sad, or just shop when I'm bored.  This goes for both clothing and home decor.  I don't have a good answer on how to cut back.  Honestly, I'm trying to just cut it out all together for the time being.  I already own some wonderful pieces, so it's all about working with what I've got.  When I do make a purchase, it's almost always an item already on sale (or with a discount code), and I never forget to check Ebates for extra savings.  Paying full price is for the birds! I do plan on allowing myself one or two small purchases a month.   This blog is an amazing resource for edited, conscientious shopping.  It's really changed the way I mentally approach my wardrobe!

Get Moving

One thing that I have not cut out of the budget is my gym membership.  While it does cost me quite a bit every month, I see it as a money saver.  Why?  Well, let me explain -- rather than taking an hour a day wandering through Target (almost always resulting in a loss of $100), I can take that hour and go to the gym.  It gets me out of the house and keeps me busy at a place where I'm not tempted to spend a dime.  Oh yeah, there's all of those physical and mental health benefits too.  Hooray for me.  Of course, you could save even more money by forgoing a membership and running outside/working out at home too.  I just know myself, and if I don't have my spin instructor yelling at me to turn up that dial, I'm just going to be lazy.  If my couch is within eyesight, a workout just isn't going to happen!

I know that everyone's situation is different, but we've had great luck with some of the methods discussed above.  However, I know we can continue to improve and be even more financially responsible, so I'd love to hear how you all make your budgets work for you.

What are your best money saving tips?  I'd love to implement a few of them!

*Yes, I had to use a calculator to get that figure. Shuddup.

**You like how I said "we" like Levi steps foot in a grocery store, ever?

*** I use throw blankets when it's cold, lounge in my underwear when I'm hot.  I would recommend investing in window coverings if you adopt this approach.