Do you struggle with spending money? Well girl grab your readers and read away. I’m going to help you stop spending and start saving with these 10 Steps!

I used to have a nasty spending habit. I was absolutely terrible with money. I bought everything I wanted without having the money for it. I couldn’t even manage $1,000. If I couldn’t manage $1,000 how would I ever manage $10,000 in the future? There was just no way. It was honestly embarrassing, but this is my truth. I am not ashamed to say I was terrible with money. I was a materialistic kind of girl and if I wanted it I bought it. This is no way to live. I wasn’t thinking about my future at all, but this is so important!

You have to live like no one else so you can live like no one else. -Dave Ramsey

Honestly my husband is a genius when it comes to money and I mean genius. Lord knew I needed a man that could handle money and handle it extremely well at that. Money is a huge thing especially in marriage. Money can destroy your marriage and there’s no way in heck I’m letting that happen. I listen to everything he says about money and our finances. I’m really proud of us.

TOP 10 TIPS

1. Ask for help

Ask someone you trust to help you come up with a Savings Plan. Obviously someone who is good with finances and understands where you’re coming from and knows your financial goals. This could be a family member or a friend. I am more than happy to help you come up with a plan and help hold you accountable to the plan. I love seeing people successful and able to do what they love – most things cost money, so it’s nice to always be able to say yes.

2. Figure out where you spend your money

How often are you going out with your friends? Do you spend $30/meal when you go to lunch or dinner? Are you shopping? How much does your gas cost/month? What bills do you have and how much are they? Figure out where every penny is going and what you spend on average per month. If you can get an accurate monthly spending amount that’s even better for budgeting.

3. Create a budget and stick to it

Make a Budget Log in your phone or in a notebook whatever is easiest for you of your daily/weekly/monthly spending allowance. If your Budget Log says you can spend $20/day and you spend $30 one day, well then the next day you can only spend $10 because you already spent $10/$20 of your daily allowance… It is really important that you stick to the budget so you can invest your money into your Savings/Emergency/Retirement Accounts for your future and ultimately get ahead.

4. Have loans? Pay them off quick and save $ on interest

Pay them off fast by paying way more than the minimum loan amount. Once your loans are paid off, make sure you get documentation stating your balance is $0.00 both electronic and paper copies for your records and keep them in a safe spot. Don’t celebrate once you pay off your loans. Celebrating will only make you spend more money. Start saving immediately. Cut your spending for awhile and live like you are poor.

5. Get down to 1-2 Credit Cards

Credit Cards are without a doubt one of the fastest ways to debt. Living beyond or above your means is when you pull out the shiny blue credit card and swipe it for that beautiful black mini skirt and white cashmere sweater. It’s not worth it girl. Say no to the mall. The mall is a dangerous place to be with no money and no self control. Been there done that – no more! This girl is a spender no more.

6. Live within your means

Never spend more than you can afford. If you buy something that’s $300, you better have at least double that amount in your Bank Account. Save up for everything you want and be able to pay cash for things instead of charging it to a credit card. This is living within your means – spending less than what you have.

7. Do not make excuses

Stop doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different result. This is literally the definition of insanity. I know so many people who do the same thing over and over with their money and wonder why they have no money. It’s because they keep spending their entire pay checks on unnecessary items instead of putting money into the one thing that’s going to get them ahead – their SAVINGS account. $50 or $100 may not seem like much, but after awhile it adds up… Start small and increase when you feel comfortable. I recommend moving the monthly $ amount that you’re saving, up every 6 months so you build your savings account even faster.

8. Do not take money out of your Savings Account

Don’t touch the money once it’s in there. You will create a separate account for emergencies and only take the money out of there when necessary. A lot of times just when you think you’re ahead life comes and takes a huge deuce on ya. If you have a separate account when life decides to drop that deuce, you’re prepared.

9. Start Saving For Retirement

You might think it’s too early to start saving for retirement, but it’s not. Start early. Do it now, even before your twenties if you’re fortunate enough to be able to. Your future self will thank you for your hard work and sacrifice when you’re in Bali relaxing pool side with not a worry in the world.

10. Tithe

What does Tithe mean? Tithing is a tenth part of something paid as a voluntary contribution or as a tax especially for the support of the church. I didn’t understand tithing until a couple years ago when I started to Tithe. When I tithed I noticed I always had way more than I ever needed and when I didn’t tithe I noticed I was short money. God can do way more with 10% than I can do with 90%. God owns everything and everything I have has been given to me by God. We are to be good stewards of everything that God gives us. Hearts that move towards God tithe and hearts that drift from God do not tithe.

In the Bible it tells us this:

But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today. – Deuteronomy 8:18

Be giving with your money, a generous and cheerful giver. Tithe and you will blessed abundantly.

I can’t stand a complainer and crappy work ethic. I don’t have time. I understand the impact of good work ethic and the value of a hard worker. I enjoy work, I love getting things done and surpassing goals. It’s exhilarating and gives me so much energy.

If you’re unhappy with your finances do something about it. GRIND! Don’t go home and sit on the couch after your 8:00-5:00 – put in work. Get a second or third job apart from your full time job. I did this. I was employed at 4 different Dental Places at once and that was crazy! I learned so much about my limits and who I truly am as a worker – I’m a hard worker. I was working 60-70 hour work weeks as a Dental Assistant to pay off credit cards and just have extra money for myself. Most Dental Assistants work 30-38 hours a week on average. This is beyond for what the job is. It was tiring, but I was much better off and I worked hard to achieve a goal that took a long time. You just have to really want it. You have to be motivated. The grind may suck but it feels so good at the same time. In the end you get a satisfying reward.

Think about the future, don’t just live in the now. It’s not too late to quit spending and start saving. Stop living pay check to pay check by utilizing these tips. Remember yesterday you said tomorrow, so start today. I believe in you.

If I can do it, anybody can.

I’m rooting for you to quit spending and start saving!

You got this.