How to Spend Less Than You Earn

Introduction

The modern rhythm of life imposes quick solutions, impulsive desires and a constant desire for more. We easily succumb to temptations: new clothes, equipment, subscriptions, entertainment that promise to make us happier - but often only for a moment. Meanwhile, more and more often a situation arises when expenses exceed income. There is anxiety, debts, dependence on the next salary, and a feeling of financial freedom is lost.

On the pages of the author's blog Bantrumefr We are not talking about how to save on ourselves, but about how to learn how to choose, be conscious and manage resources, and not obey them. Control over expenses is a skill that requires honesty, discipline and a little patience. But it is he who gives calm, confidence and the opportunity to direct money to where they are really important.

The main part

Why do we spend more than earnings

The first step to the change is to understand why this is happening. There can be many reasons, and each they have their own, but most often the following are found:

• lack of budget and accounting of expenses;
• emotional purchases;
• desire to match the expectations of others;
• The illusion of “future compensation”-I will spend it now, and then somehow save;
• Unconscious small expenses, which in total give tangible damage.

When a person does not track where the money goes, there is a feeling that they are always not enough, even if the income level allows you to live comfortably.

How to start monitoring expenses

1. Conduct a revision of expenses

One of the most powerful tools is observation. Within a month, record absolutely all your expenses. Not only large, but also trifles: coffee, delivery, trips, subscriptions, spontaneous purchases. After 2-3 weeks, you will begin to see the laws: repetitions, duplicate, things that have not been beneficial.

On the blog Bantrumefr We have repeatedly noted: awareness is the first step towards changes. Until you see the whole picture, it is difficult to make balanced decisions.

2. Divide categories expenses

When you collected the data, group them:

• necessary (food, housing, transport);
• variables (clothes, cafes, entertainment);
• Invisible (subscriptions, random little things).

This classification will help to understand where it really needs to be reduced, and where it is worth just restraining.

3. Make the basic budget

After analysis, you can create a simple budget. Determine how much you are ready to spend on each category based on your income. Do not put your harsh frames - leave a place for flexibility. But each ruble should have a purpose.

The budget is not a restriction, but a navigator. It helps not to spend pointlessly and at the same time stay in the comfort zone.

4. Introduce the rule "24 hours"

Before buying something, especially if it costs more than a regular lunch, give yourself a day. Very often after 24 hours, the desire is spent disappears. This is a simple way to cut off the impulses and save money for what is really important.

5. Look for alternatives, not refuse

If you decide to reduce costs, this does not mean that life should become boring. Instead of cinema - an evening with friends at home, instead of delivery - a dinner prepared by yourself. Savings should not be felt like a loss. This is just another way - more conscious.

6. Tune in to the gradual

Stop spending more than you earn is not a simultaneous effort, but the path. You are not obliged to change everything sharply. Start with one habit: to abandon an unnecessary subscription, limit hiking in a cafe, plan spending in advance. These steps will eventually create the foundation of new habits.

7. Form positive motivation

Control over the expenses should not be associated with deprivation. On the contrary, this is about freedom. About the opportunity to choose where your money goes, which makes you happier and what is not. Think about what you want to leave funds for. It can be a goal, dream, a sense of confidence. Every time you want to spend more, remember this.

Common traps

IN Bantrumefr We distinguish several traps, which often even conscious people fall:

• Tough restrictions leading to breakdowns. It is important to observe the balance. If you cut everything in a row, the body and psyche will surrender at some point, and you will return to the previous scenario with double strength.
• Self -deception in the little things. It seems that a cup of coffee for 200 rubles is a trifle. But if it is repeated daily, in a month this is already a significant amount.
• Ignoring changes. The budget and expenses are not carved in stone. Life is changing. Turn up for it, adjust the plan, but do not refuse the principles.

Conclusion

Control over expenses is not a punishment, but care for yourself. This is a way to say to myself: "I choose awareness." When you know how much you earn, how much you spend and why, life becomes clearer and calmer. Anxiety is leaving, clarity comes.

On the blog Bantrumefr We believe that real financial stability begins with simple steps. Not from the search for complex schemes and not from the expectation of the perfect moment. And with an honest look at yourself and the desire to be attentive to your life.