My aunts wedding is in August. She’s back in my hometown a few states north of where I live now. Looking at airfare currently it’s going to be around $475-550 round trip and then the dog sitter charges $50 a day so that’s gonna be another $400. The trip itself will be relatively inexpensive once I’m back in my hometown town because my family can drive me and let me stay with them so no need for a hotel. I also think a friend can drop me off at the airport and pick me up when I come back. I really want to be able to get the airplane tickets at least a month in advance I’d hate to leave it to the last minute. But with everything combined it’ll probably be close to $1000. I do not save money easily, I don’t know I’m just not smart with my money I guess. I refuse to ask my dad for help, even though he’s really good at finances he always makes me feel embarrassed that I haven’t been smart with my money.
I want to get better at managing my finances but honestly $1000 seems like so much money to get by august(well really at least a month before August so I can buy the tickets).
Anyone have budgeting tips? I have already cut back so much on my take-out, and I’m in the process of working more hours. I have a lot of credit card debt I’m trying to chip away at.
My grocery bill is always pretty low because my social worker brings me food boxes twice a month. I feel guilty for relying on food boxes when I have a full time job but it really helps so much.
Write a budget. Every penny you spend needs to be accounted for. This gives you a starting point.
Go to your bank and set up an automatic transfer from checking to savings, preferably an external transfer of $200 per month (the amount can be adjusted if necessary). You can’t spend what you can’t see.
Eliminate take-out.
Look at your subscriptions (Netflix, Amazon Music, Apple Music, etc.). Cancel them. You can join them again (if you even use them) in 6 months.
Pause chipping away at credit card debt for the next 6 months. Just pay the minimums, then after 6 months you can start chipping away again.
This is a brilliant idea. I already was going to open a savings account with the company I work for(they have a credit union just for employees) so maybe I’ll do that!
I agree with catman except I would pay more than the minimum on the credit cards, or the interest will kill you later.
You can read books and watch movies rented for free from the library, or watch things that are on free apps with commercials.
Dont eat out (I recommend one meal out per month so you have something to look forward to).
Turn off everything you aren’t currently using, like lights, computers etc. if it’s warm where you are, set the thermostat at like 74. If it’s cold, set it at 69. Thst brings down those bills.
Shower every other day to save on water. Don’t run the faucet while brushing your teeth or washing dishes. Instead use dish soap in a tub of water and just quickly rinse after washing without leaving the water running.