Everyone knows most of us women love to shop. We just love new things. From new curtains to new shoes to a new car, we just gotta have it! Now it’s okay to enjoy your money but some of us get caught up with some really bad spending habits. Some of us end up living beyond our means because we’re trying to impress others. Why? You know you’re not about that life. Knock it off already! For those who are about that life, it’s cool to splurge just make sure you have twice as much coming in than you have going out.
I can give you the old “Deduct 10% for savings, pay your bills then do what you want with the rest” rule, but why not help you save even more with some smart tips. Then maybe you can go on that vacation you always wanted to go on or pay back some of the people you owe.
Now this may not solve all of your financial problems but it’s a start:
1. Stop Feeling Obligated to Attend Every Single Event.
If you can’t make it, you just can’t make it. You are only one person and it’s impossible to please everyone. Sometimes you have to say, “I’m sorry but I can’t make it this time.” They will understand and you should also understand when a people can’t always make your events.
2. Stop Over-compensating.
Stop being so damn nice all the time. Doing great things for other people is very noble of you but as I mentioned before, you cannot please everyone. You don’t always have to go so hard buying expensive gifts for everyone, especially if your money is looking funny. Half of those people aren’t even appreciative of your kindness, especially the ones who will never return the gesture. You shouldn’t just give to receive but if you find yourself always giving to a person who is selfish, chances are it will be long before that person learns the act of giving. Cut them off. They’ll learn then.
3. Learn to say “NO” to Nagging Kids and Borrowers
Don’t feel guilty about it either. Kids will milk you if you let them. They have to learn that they can’t always have every single thing they ask for. They need to learn the value of a dollar and how to earn it. So make them work for it and save their own money to get what they want. Now for our good ole borrowing friends, we gotta tell them no. Most of the time, they get themselves in the same rut time and time again. When will they ever get it together? You’re not helping by loaning. Also, if you can’t replace what was borrowed(like if they couldn't give you back your money), then you shouldn’t be lending anything out. If they can’t get a loan from a bank, that should tell you something.
4. Shop Wisely for Your Wardrobe
First of all, you should definitely shop on a per season basis even keeping special events in mind. Unless you’re about that life, refrain from buying every hot, trendy piece of clothing, bag or shoe. Stick to something fashionable but more on the Classic side. Quality is also very important because then your articles are longer lasting. Chances are those same articles won’t get played out and can be worn a decade later. Think about it. How long have people been rocking Polo shirts and Air Force 1s? Those are classics that never go out of style.
5. Look for Discounts
Whether it’s clothing, car insurance, plane tickets, college, whatever it may be, look for some type bargain. If you’re shopping online, Google promo codes for whatever company you’re shopping with and enter that code when it’s time to check out. Look, most of the things you buy are marked down after 2 weeks anyway. Things don’t stay the same price for that long anymore. Besides why spend $1000 on something that it costs $5 to make??? Or why pay more than you have to pay for anything? Taking advantage of “Work Perks” also help you save extra bucks that you will be saving to go towards something more useful and worthwhile.
6. Get Rid of that 3-for-1 Cable Bill
Why do you still have that? First over all, unless there is no other person with a cell phone living with you, you really don’t need a back-up phone. You’re probably never home anyway. If you are, then get rid of one of those bills. Also, why do you still have movie channels? The same bullshit movies come on every day. Are you serious? Get Netflix or buy the DVD or BluRay and watch those movies forever.
7. Make a Grocery List and Stick to It!
When you so that you save more. Most of the time when we go grocery shopping, we forget what we came to buy and end up buying unnecessary things anyway. Bring a list. Stick to the script. Also, it’s helpful to buy in bulk, so that you don’t have to go back for another 2-3 months. Stores like BJay’s, Costco’s, Sam’s Club are great places to buy bulk items. Just make sure you check those expiration dates on the food!
8. Cook Your Meals and Bring Your Lunch to Work!
Do you have to eat out everyday? How do you know the chef didn't scratch his crotches and touch your food? Stop being lazy! Get your butt in that kitchen and cook something. If you don't know how to cook, get a cookbook or ask your friends and family for some direction. You can save a whole lot by buying your own food and cooking it. You can even eat it more than once so you're really getting your money's worth. Plus, you know your food is clean and handled with care. Lol
9. Monitor Your Ones!
Those little late fees that you incur from your cable bill and withdrawing from the ATM, add up! You know what could’ve done with that?? Lol...we gotta stop being careless. Keeping cash handy, checking your statements, and NOT being so much of a “Swiper” can help reduce those fees. You should be also using debit/credit cards with cash back, mileage or any rewards programs.
10. Plan Ahead!
Planning ahead allows you to foresee your finances. If you plan a vacation ahead of time you get a cheaper flight. You have time to compare hotel rates and you won’t be stuck picking up just any ole thing right before your vacay. If you plan a birthday party well ahead of time, you can look through different online sites, enter those promo codes I told you about, look for wholesale prices, and still come out with an extravagant party! Planning ahead prevents you from overspending! Get used to it!
11. Avoid Impulse Spending & Retail Therapy
That is the best way to be Broke! This is nothing but instant gratification. You buy all that stuff because you just had to have it or it made you feel better then you get home, and realize you didn’t even write your grocery list!
12. Stop Living Beyond Your Means!
I cannot stress this enough. Just because your high-rolling ass friends got it don't mean you gotta run and get it too. Again. You are not about that life. Wait your turn. There's nothing worse than a fly, broke chick. The only one who feels it is you. Besides, wearing expensive things or driving the most expensive car or having the latest electronics doesn't make you fly. Being fly is about creativity...individualism..style. That doesn't come with a price tag. Being fly is the ability to put anything together and make it look Great! I've seen people rock the most expensive gear and still look wack! So please be yourself. Stay in your lane and go with speed you know best.
