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Saving Tips
Spending wisely means not wasting money on things you don't need, don't really want, and can easily do without. Here are some tips on how you can save money.
Once you have children, you will be amazed at the speed with which your money just seems to vanish. There is no end to spending, and often, most of us not only spend money on things we do not need, but we overspend on items we could have done without. Remember, there is a difference between spending wisely, and being stingy. Spending wisely means not wasting money on things you don't need, don't really want, and can easily do without. Here are some tips on how you can save money.
Budget your entertainment
Keep a certain sum aside for entertainment. If you don't do this, then every time you spend excessively on a dinner at a restaurant or on a movie, you may feel a pang of guilt. But remember, a part of the reason you earn money is so you can spend it on things you enjoy. Decide, according to your income, how much you can spend each month on entertainment. Perhaps you would like to go out with your family once a fortnight to a good restaurant, and perhaps you would like to watch a movie once a month at the cinema. Plan a budget, and stick to it. So if you want to do something beyond the budget, like dinner at a very high-end restaurant, you could always compensate by sacrificing some other entertainment that month. If you feel the budget was not very realistic, revise it the next month, but while it applies, stick to it so you get used to the discipline.
Make a list
The problem with mall shopping is that every time you visit the mall, you end up buying things that just appealed to you in passing, but that you don't really need. How many of us have homes – and shelves – crowded with tiny trinkets, vases and cut glass pieces that we really could have done without? Try and incorporate a rule of never buying anything unless you set out to buy it. This doesn't mean that you go without, but it means that you only buy things you want before setting out. You may want a nice pair of shoes for example, but because you have already spent so much money on random kurtis, bracelets and earrings that you picked up on your last visit to the mall, you put off buying your shoes for later. Don't go without, but if you want something, just put it down in a list and buy it when you can. Your rule of thumb should be – "If it's not on the list, I'm not buying it."
Avoid Sales
Often, it is almost impossible to turn down a bargain. Your favourite shop is on sale, and everything is 50% off! So what do you do? Take out your calendar and see whose birthday is coming up. Buy something keeping that person in mind – don't just buy randomly, thinking you will give it to someone. Buy it, bring it home, and put it in a bag with the person's name on it, so you know you have to give it to him. Avoid buying something for yourself unless it is on the list. If you must get something, buy one item – not two just because it's half-price. It's not on your list, remember!
If you shop wisely, you will be able to save up for things you really want, and will have a better-planned wardrobe, and a more beautiful home. So think about that the next time you see a huge 'sale' sign posted on your neighbourhood shop, and, hard as it may be, walk past.
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